The long-delayed G Line to the northwestern Denver suburbs took a big step closer toward opening Wednesday, as it received two key approvals from federal regulators.
Federal Railroad Administration officials OK’d revenue-service demonstration of the line to Arvada, Wheat Ridge and Adams County while also adding the line to the existing long-term waiver that the University of Colorado A Line to Denver International Airport and the B Line to Westminster use for their operations. Regional Transportation District officials called it a “major milestone” for the route.
The approvals do not mean that the 11.2-mile line, which originally was predicted to open in mid-2016, has an opening date yet. More approvals, including a key one from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, are needed before service can begin. RTD also continues to pursue approval of quiet zones along the route, plus permission to remove attendants from grade-level crossing-gate areas.
But after a years-long process that has involved federal scolding and legal actions between RTD and its private-sector partner, Denver Transit Partners, Wednesday’s announcement marks a positive step on the line.
Read more at the Denver Business Journal.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
RELATED: G Line testing ramping up
RELATED: RTD G Line testing resumes today
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Local stories from 9NEWS