RTD to begin track reconstruction work in September near the Colfax at Auraria Station

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will begin the next phase of light rail track reconstruction work in downtown Denver on Sept. 2. The near-term phase will focus on reconstructing track infrastructure and maintaining 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 the first phase, which took place in 2024, crews reconstructed five intersections in Denver’s Downtown Loop.

This year’s work will involve reconstructing the light rail crossing near the intersection of Kalamath Street and Colfax Avenue. The 86-day period of work is scheduled to be completed on Nov. 27. The full-depth reconstruction process involves removing and replacing all 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 at the intersection. During the project, vehicular traffic in the area may be merged to one lane or rerouted around the rail crossing for limited periods of time.

“Maintaining RTD’s infrastructure is essential to preserving taxpayers’ previous investments in the region’s mass transportation system,” said Debra A. Johnson, RTD General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. “This is so much more than a maintenance project. It will ensure that RTD can continue to provide a viable transit network for future generations.”

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. The following options are available to support rail customers who may be temporarily impacted by the planned reconstruction work:

• All D Line trains will be rerouted to Denver Union Station, and customers can easily connect to the Downtown Loop using the 16th Street FreeRide or Free MetroRide. The FreeRide runs approximately every five minutes, seven days a week, and the MetroRide runs every 10 minutes during peak service times, Mondays through Fridays. D Line trains will maintain their current, 15-minute frequencies between Littleton•Mineral Station and Denver Union Station.
• The H Line will operate between Florida and Southmoor stations, and customers traveling downtown will need to transfer to an E Line train. The E and H lines will both maintain 15-minute frequencies to support transfers at Southmoor Station.
• The L Line will be suspended during the project, and Route 43 will provide customers with continued connections along the downtown corridor.
• Bus Route 16 and Route ART also provide alternate service to the Colfax at Auraria Station. Bus stops near the project will remain open and operational during the reconstruction work. 

Impacted customers 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.

2026 Reconstruction Work
RTD will start work on the subsequent phases of the project in 2026, and work may simultaneously occur. The agency’s project team, comprising of staff and consultants, is in the process of developing reconstruction plans and timelines for the latter phases, which include:

• Colfax Avenue alignment reconstruction
• Downtown Loop midblock sections
• Welton Street corridor improvements

An overview of the multi-year project is available at rtd-denver.com/railproject, and the agency will continue to regularly post status updates and information in the future. The website has a project timeline, videos, photos, illustrations, maps, and detour information. RTD will also continue to conduct stakeholder and community outreach to ensure customers and the public are well informed about the planned work. A schedule of future engagement activities and feedback opportunities will be posted on RTD’s website.