Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project
Project Overview
In May 2024, RTD began a multi-phased project to reconstruct its oldest light rail infrastructure. This major reconstruction project is the first of its kind in RTD’s history and will ensure the long-term integrity of the network.
After more than 30 years of continual operation, RTD is investing in its oldest rail infrastructure to ensure the long-term integrity of the network. Light rail service began in Denver on October 7, 1994, with 5.3 miles of track connecting 30th Avenue and Downing Street to Interstate 25 and Broadway. Much of today’s downtown track infrastructure, commonly referred to as the Downtown Loop, has been in place since the line was first constructed and opened for service. This original section of track has expanded over the years to now serve 10 rail stations on the D, H, and L lines, with street-level trains operating adjacent to pedestrians and vehicular traffic. More than 300 light rail trains circle the Downtown Loop every day, so it is critically important RTD maintain this asset in a state of good repair for the next 30 years.
Project Timeline
The numbering of RTD’s four project phases does not necessarily correspond to their order of importance, and work will be completed out of numerical sequence. The four phases were developed to denote the specific sections of rail that will be reconstructed throughout this multi-year project. During each phase of the project, light rail services in the Downtown Loop will be impacted.
Rail Disruption Map
Effective August 31, 2025
Project Phases
Phase One: Five Key Intersections
Timeline: Completed in 2024
Phase One of RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project was successfully completed ahead of schedule on August 29, 2024. The first phase focused on reconstructing light rail track and infrastructure at five key intersections in the Downtown Loop:
- Broadway and Welton
- 15th and California streets
- 15th and Stout streets
- 17th and California streets
- 17th and Stout streets
Each intersection received a full-depth reconstruction to improve safety and mobility, address deteriorating transit infrastructure, and protect the agency’s investment in its key transportation assets.
Phase Two: Downtown Loop Midblocks
Timeline: 2026
Phase Two will focus on a full-depth reconstruction of the rail segments between the intersections where work was completed in 2024. D, H, and L line trains will be impacted.
Phase Three: Kalamath Crossing and Colfax Alignment
Phase Three Overview
Phase Three will focus on a full-depth reconstruction of the light rail track that runs parallel to Colfax. It does not include any segments of track near the Colorado Convention Center, as they were subject to previous targeted repairs.
- Phase Three – Part A: Kalamath Crossing
- Phase Three – Part B: Colfax Alignment
Part A Timeline: Sept. 2 - Nov. 27, 2025
This phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project will be subdivided into two separate windows, with crews first addressing the at-grade crossing at Kalamath Street. Temporary maintenance was previously completed in 2024 to stabilize the rail base until a full-depth reconstruction of the crossing could be completed. Work on the Kalamath Street Crossing is planned to commence on Tuesday, September 2, and work will end on or before Thursday, November 27.
Planned Service Disruptions
During the 86-day work window, all D Line trains will be rerouted to Denver Union Station. The H Line will be truncated to Southmoor Station, and customers continuing downtown will need to connect to an E Line train. The E and H lines will maintain 15-minute frequencies to support customer transfers. The L Line will be temporarily suspended during the project, and bus Route 43 will provide customers with continued connections along the corridor.
Part B Timeline: 2026
Work along the remaining light rail track in Phase Three will commence in 2026. This subsection of the phase will include a full-depth reconstruction of the track that runs adjacent to Colfax, near the Auraria Campus.
Phase Four: Welton Street Corridor
Timeline: 2026
The final phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project will include a full-depth reconstruction of the existing light rail track along the Welton Corridor, between the Welton and Broadway intersection and RTD’s 30th•Downing Station. This phase will evaluate station accessibility and replace high blocks at existing L Line stations.
Customer Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project
Frequently Asked QuestionsService Alerts
RTD encourages customers to sign up for Service Alerts to receive text and email notifications about future and real-time disruptions that impact specific bus routes, rail line, stop or station.
Subscribe for UpdatesNext Ride
Customers are also encouraged to use the Next Ride web app to plan trips, view active Service Alerts, and see bus and train locations in real time.
Access Next Ride HereCustomer Care
For additional route and schedule information, or questions on impacts to service, 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. For Spanish, press 2. For assistance in all other languages, please tell the Information Specialist what language you speak and stay on the phone while they connect to an interpreter.
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Need RTD materials translated into a specific language beyond Spanish? To the extent possible, RTD will provide the translation that you need! Click here.