L Line

Facts

Length (miles): 0.8
Vehicle Type: Light Rail
Stations: 8
Parking: 27 spaces (30th·Downing Station)
Frequency of Service: Weekdays 15 mins (7 a.m.-9 p.m.)/30 mins (early a.m. and late p.m.)

The L Line Extension, or Central Rail Extension, is part of RTD’s 2004 voter-approved FasTracks plan to expand transit across the Denver metro region.
The extension will provide rail service between the existing L Line at 30th•Downing and the A Line at 38th•Blake. This will serve as a way for commuters in central downtown to connect with the line to the airport.
Two new stations are proposed: 33rd•Downing and 35th•Downing.
Service will be provided by single light rail vehicles that complete round-trips, in-traffic transit operations between 30th•Downing and 38th•Blake.
Annual Ridership: 170,000 boardings (2024)
Capacity: 162 customers seated and standing (single-vehicle rail consist)

As part of the planning process, an Environmental Evaluation (EE) was conducted, including an analysis of alternative alignments and station locations, identification of potential impacts, and a recommendation for ways to minimize any impacts throughout the corridor.
2010: RTD Board of Directors adopted the EE for the Central Rail Extension.
2013: The CRE underwent further analysis, including a study to identify the most feasible transit route and operating plan to provide a direct connection between 38th • Blake and downtown Denver.
2014: The CRE mobility study was complete and provided several options for consideration.
2015: Basic engineering was completed. Once final funding is identified, final design and construction will begin
2018: The L Line Downtown Loop opened in January 2018 with the Welton Street segment operating as proposed in the CRE mobility study, which called for the L Line to replace the D Line in this segment). The D Line was modified to operate between Littleton·Mineral and 18th·California stations.