RTD owns, operates, and maintains underground (UG) and overhead (OH) utilities throughout the RTD District that are key to the safe operations of RTD’s transit systems. In addition to well-defined areas between RTD tracks and inside RTD-fenced properties, RTD utilities run down and across many local streets and through non-RTD properties in multiple jurisdictions to feed the elements of our system. Many of RTD’s utilities are dangerous to RTD and the contractor if damaged. If, and only if, you hit or damage RTD facilities (i.e., OH, UG, or surface) while working call RTD Emergency Dispatch at 303-299-2911. See below for non-emergency utility locates.
Safety is the top concern of RTD. RTD has installed signs and posts indicating general locations of RTD-owned utilities. Always contact the RTD Utility Engineering group before digging in the area of an RTD facility including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Commuter Rail Transit (CRT) corridors, RTD Park-and-Rides (PnR), and other RTD facilites. Contact RTD first If you see an RTD corridor, facility, sign, or post in the area of your project.
It is a good idea to coordinate with RTD Utility Engineering before finalizing your design. The location and height/depth of RTD facilities vary and can change significantly to rise above or drop below other utilities in the area. RTD utility locations may require you to change the location of your proposed utility work.
Always call UNCC x811 and RTD Utility Engineering before you dig in the vicinity of RTD facilities. Though it is the Contractor’s responsibility to determine the location of RTD UG utilities prior to construction and avoid damage, RTD utility engineers will support your efforts to collect as much advanced information as possible. If you need RTD to paint locates so that you can dig safely (non-emergency utility locates) email the Utility group or call the Utility Construction Phone Line and leave the necessary information for your utility locate request.
Ask ALL questions of RTD Utility Engineering before you dig and after you have read all sections on this page.
Email: [email protected]
Utility Construction Phone Line: 303-299-2811
Utility engineering staff is here to assist you with your utility construction-related application, design, and construction questions.
Call UNCC (811) for Locates BEFORE you DIG.
Plan Ahead – RTD Review Process can take several months to complete and approval is NOT Guaranteed.
Where Are You Working?
Rail Operations:
RTD has two rail groups that operate/maintain RTD rail corridors (one group for LRT and another for CRT). Each group has different processes, required construction notes to contractors, division reviews, permit application forms, meetings, coordination timing, and safety training requirements prior to approving your work. Work around RTD’s BRT and PnR facilities require separate procedures. Check the Rail Map below to determine which railroad(s) apply to your work (i.e., RTD LRT, RTD CRT, RTD Inactive Tracks, RTD Active by Lease to Other RR, BNSF, and/or UPRR).
Bus Operations:
Coordinate your work with RTD to avoid/minimize impact to bus routes, bus stops, and PnR access. Even if your work is not near RTD ROW, tracks, or facilities, it is possible your work may impact an RTD bus route. Contractors need to coordinate With RTD's Bus Operations all work along bus routes and near bus stops and PnR entrances. Establishing temporary bus reroutes and temporary bus stops takes time to plan and implement. RTD Bus/Street Operations coordinates and prepares updates of bus routes and detours affected by disruption of services due to construction, special events, and emergencies. RTD works closely with law enforcement, jurisdictions, public works departments, and municipalities to review construction design, traffic control plans, lane closures, and detours to minimize impacts to bus operations. Please direct all RTD bus operation questions to [email protected] or call 303-299-6928.
In order to do any Utility construction work in the RTD District where a new proposed Utility enters or crosses RTD ROW, RTD Tracks, RTD Facilities, you must begin with the RTD Utility Agreement Request Process.
Steps to Follow for Utility Construction in the RTD District
Plan Ahead!
The RTD Review, License, and Permit Process can take several months to complete and approval at each step is not guaranteed.
RTD receives many requests like your each month and we do NOT have an expedited-process option.
The more specific and complete your request package, the quicker we can begin your application process.
RTD staff is here to help you understand these procedures but it is your responsibility to follow each step through.
If you have any other engineering design or construction questions regarding work in the RTD district please visit our Construction Engineering page.