Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project
Project Overview
In May 2024, RTD began a multi-year 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. 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 five project areas were developed to denote the specific sections of rail that will be reconstructed throughout this multi-year project. During each part of the project, light rail services in the downtown area may be impacted.
Rail Service Maps
Effective June 7, 2026
Current Service: Effective Jan 4-June 6, 2026
Project Areas
Five Key Intersections
Timeline: Completed in 2024
The Five Key Intersections of RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project were successfully completed ahead of schedule on August 29, 2024. This part of the project focused on reconstructing light rail track and infrastructure at five 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.
Kalamath Street Crossing
Timeline: Completed in Q4 2025
Work to fully reconstruct a segment of light rail track just east of the Colfax at Auraria Station crossing southbound Kalamath Street was successfully completed in late 2025. Crews completed temporary maintenance in 2024 to stabilize the rail base. The full 86-day Kalamath Crossing reconstruction began Sept. 2, 2025, and wrapped up Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
Colfax Avenue Alignment
Timeline: June 2026 - Q1 2027
Work on the Colfax Avenue Alignment will begin on June 7, 2026, lasting through Q1 2027. This work will include a full-depth reconstruction of the track that runs adjacent to Colfax Avenue between Seventh Street and 10th Street at the Colfax at Auraria Station. D, H, and L line trains will be impacted.
Additional project work will occur during this time on the Cherry Creek bridge near Speer Boulevard.
Downtown Loop Midblocks
Timeline: June 2026 - Q1 2027
Work on the Downtown Loop midblocks will begin as soon as June 7, 2026, lasting through Q1 2027. This work will include a full-depth reconstruction of the rail segments in the downtown loop, excluding the intersections where work was completed in 2024. Work will occur on Stout from 14th to 19th streets, on 19th Street between Stout and California streets, and on California from 15th to 19th streets. D, H, and L line trains will be impacted.
Welton Street Corridor
Timeline: 2027
The final area 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 work will evaluate station accessibility and replace high blocks at existing L Line stations. Work may begin as early as mid- to late-2027.
Project Updates
RTD is committed to providing information about project timelines, service disruptions, local impacts, general progress and more. Regular project updates will resume ahead of the next phase of active work. If you have a question about the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, please contact us at the email or phone number below:
Project email: [email protected]
Project Information Line: 720-902-8817
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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