RTD to begin work in June on next area of Downtown Rail Reconstruction to repair the agency’s oldest rail assets

Alternative service options are offered to meet customer mobility needs during reconstruction

DENVER (May 20, 2026) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD)will begin the next phase of light rail track reconstruction work in downtown Denver on June 7 to replace aging rail infrastructure and maintain the long-term integrity of its transit network.

The work is part of a multi-year, $152 million project to reconstruct miles of light rail track in downtown Denver, the first project of this magnitude in RTD’s history. During previous phases, which took place in 2024 and 2025, crews reconstructed five intersections in Denver’s Downtown Loop as well as the intersection of Kalamath Street and Colfax Avenue.

This year’s work will involve full reconstruction of the light rail tracks located along Colfax Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets in addition to midblock sections within the Downtown Loop. Work is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2027. The full-depth reconstruction process involves removing all current track infrastructure, concrete, rail, ties, and ballast. RTD has been closely working with the City and County of Denver to discuss lane closures and develop traffic detour plans. No full closures are planned in the Downtown Loop during the project, but vehicular traffic in the area may be merged to one lane. RTD will phase construction to limit impacts to residents, businesses, and customers.

“As this essential reconstruction project enters its next phase, RTD remains focused on enhancing regional mobility for the benefit of the customers and the communities served by the agency,” said Debra A. Johnson, General Manager and CEO. “Replacing decades‑old rail infrastructure is critical to ensuring a mechanically safe, reliable, and resilient transit network for the region. This investment supports the integrity of the rail network, honors the trust of taxpayers, and strengthens the transit foundation that the Denver metro region depends on every day.”

“This phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project represents a complex challenge because of the volume of rail and traffic movements through downtown Denver and Colfax Avenue,” said Angel Peña, RTD Deputy CEO. “As the corridor is being rebuilt, the team is committed to maintaining mobility, providing clear alternatives and restoring service promptly, with long‑lasting improvements RTD’s customers can rely on.”

Continued Connections and Alternative Service

During the planned maintenance work, RTD will focus on maintaining customers’ connections to and from their destinations with as little disruption as possible. Recognizing some regular light rail service will be affected by the planned reconstruction work, the following options are available to support customers:

• All D, H and L lines will be suspended.
• The C Line will be temporarily reinstated to replace the D Line enabling continued customer travel between Denver Union Station and Mineral Station. Customers can easily connect to the Downtown Loop using the 16th Street FreeRide or Free MetroRide. The FreeRide will operate approximately every three minutes, seven days a week, and the MetroRide runs every 10 minutes during peak service times, Mondays through Fridays.
• The T (Temporary) Line will operate from Lincoln Station to I-25-Broadway Station, replacing some services currently offered between I-25 and Southmoor stations (while H Line is suspended).
• Customers traveling downtown will need to transfer to an E Line train. The E, C, and T lines will operate at 15-minute frequencies and support transfers at I-25-Broadway Station.
• The R Line will extend service south from Lincoln Station providing access to three additional stations: Sky Ridge, Lone Tree, and RidgeGate Parkway. The R and T lines will operate every 15 minutes weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., then every 30 minutes until midnight (2 a.m. Fridays). R Line customers traveling downtown will need to transfer to the T at Belleview, then transfer again to the E or C Line at I‑25•Broadway.
• The L Line will be suspended during the project, and Route 43 will provide customers with continued connections along the downtown corridor. Route 43 frequency will increase to every 7.5 minutes during peak periods.
• Bus Route 16 and Route ART provide alternate service to the Colfax at Auraria Station and Theatre District Convention Center Station. Frequencies have been expanded to every 30 minutes for the ART route. Bus stops near the project will remain open and operational during the reconstruction work.

Customers who may be impacted by the maintenance work are encouraged to sign up for RTD’s Service Alerts, use the agency’s NextRide app, or contact customer support. RTD’s Customer Care agents are available 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays by calling 303.299.6000.

Future Reconstruction Work

RTD will start work on the subsequent areas of the project in 2027. The agency’s project team, comprising staff and consultants, is in the process of developing comprehensive reconstruction plans and timelines for the latter phases, which include Welton Street corridor improvements. RTD and its contractor are also evaluating opportunities to accelerate portions of future work, if feasible.

A project overview is available at rtd-denver.com/railproject, and the agency will continue to regularly post status updates and information. The website has an overview of the phases, timelines, video, photos, illustrations, maps, and detour information. Ahead of construction and throughout the project’s duration, RTD will also actively engage with the community through multiple activities to ensure customers and the public remain informed about current and future work.