RTD Begins Reconstruction June 7
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Light rail near Colfax at Aurora Station in 2025.
RTD
DENVER - RTD will begin Downtown Rail reconstruction work on June 7.
As part of a $152 million project, crews will reconstruct miles of light rail in downtown along Colfax Avenue between Seventh and Ninth streets. The work is slated to be completed by 1Q2027. RTD says this is the first project “of this magnitude in RTD’s history.” Earlier phases, which RT&S has reported on, took place in 2024 and 2025. During these phases, crews reconstructed five intersections in the city’s Downtown Loop. As part of the work this summer, crews will remove current infrastructure, including concrete, ballast, rail, and ties. Detailed information involving traffic detours and alternative routes for residents can be found at RTD’s website.
RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson said, “As this essential reconstruction project enters its next phase, RTD remains focused on enhancing regional mobility for the benefit of the customers and the communities served by the agency. . . Replacing decades-old rail infrastructure is critical to ensuring a mechanically safe, reliable, and resilient transit network for the region. This investment supports the integrity of the rail network, honors the trust of taxpayers, and strengthens the transit foundation that the Denver metro region depends on every day.”
“This phase of the Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project represents a complex challenge because of the volume of rail and traffic movements through downtown Denver and Colfax Avenue. . . As the corridor is being rebuilt, the team is committed to maintaining mobility, providing clear alternatives and restoring service promptly, with long-lasting improvements RTD’s customers can rely on,” says RTD Deputy CEO Angel Peña.
