Over a period of approximately 24 months, the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study will identify the requirements, costs, and operational needs to upgrade existing track, develop rail stations, and provide peak service to northwestern metropolitan communities, which include Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Louisville, Boulder, and Longmont.
The first section of the Northwest Rail, known as the B Line, currently operates between Denver Union Station and Westminster Station at 72nd Avenue. Findings and implementation recommendations from the Study will help RTD and partners determine the feasibility of extending rail service through an initial peak service approach. The continuation of the Northwest Rail to Longmont offers opportunities for possible partnership with agencies like the Front Range Passenger Rail District.
As in other regions around the country where commuter rail service is implemented in phases as ridership grows, the Peak Service Plan will take steps to preserve future service expansion options.
Have questions? Read the Frequently Asked Questions and submit a comment at the bottom of this page. Visit the 60-day look ahead for public input opportunities.
About Us
The Northwest Rail Peak Service Study is part of a continuing collaborative effort between RTD, local transportation partners and community stakeholders to identify and address mobility solutions for peak period service along the Northwest Rail alignment extending from Westminster Station to Boulder and Longmont.
STUDY SNAPSHOT
- Planning service delivery for the 35-mile segment from the existing B Line Westminster Station to future Longmont Station
- Partnering with local jurisdictions to plan for and conceptually design six new stations: Downtown Westminster (88th Avenue), Broomfield (116th Avenue), Flatiron, Downtown Louisville, Boulder Junction, and Downtown Longmont
- Identify preferred maintenance facility locations near the end-of-line station in Longmont
- Coordinating with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) which owns the rail line; Peak Service would operate on existing BNSF tracks
- Evaluate potential vehicle types to meet operational requirements
STUDY GOALS
The process to reach an acceptable recommendation will be inclusive, equitable, transparent, and honest. The Study has three goals:
- Provide updated engineering plans and cost estimates to determine peak service recommendations
- Establish existing conditions inventory
- Determine requirements to implement peak service operation
- Estimate capital, operations, maintenance costs
- Design in a manner to not preclude future build-out
- Align RTD strategically with the agency’s stated goals of partnering with external stakeholders
Study Milestones
The decision-making process will take place through a series of five milestones focused on achieving a common understanding of current conditions and considerations for the path forward. The process will involve engagement from stakeholders, technical advisors, public officials, project partners and study team members. In-person and online public engagement opportunities will be held during milestones 3, 4, and 5 to share study milestone results and gather input. Look for events and public input opportunities in the 60-day look ahead section of this page.
RESOURCES
- Milestones 1-3 Jan/Feb 2023 Public Open House Boards
- RTD NWRPSS Maintenance Facility Handout English ┃ Spanish
- NWRPSS Peak Service Handout Final
- NWRPSS Study Fact Sheet English ┃ Spanish
PEAK SERVICE STUDY TECHNICAL REPORTS
PRIOR PLANNING INFORMATION
Stay Involved!
Help RTD shape the future of rail service in the northwest area. Throughout the study, there will be multiple opportunities for the community to give feedback and provide input on peak rail service and the plans and commitments by jurisdictions for stations amenities. Stay tuned to this site and follow RTD on social media to learn more about input opportunities, including in-person public open houses and virtual engagement opportunities.