DENVER — The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is expecting its multiphase, $152-million downtown reconstruction project to have several impacts on summer 2024 service.
The first phase of the project is set to begin at the end of May and last through September. During that time, RTD will not operate through its central corridor.
"You will see changes to light rail, and that’s because of the reconstruction project that’s starting so we are going to be rerouting light rail in the downtown area," said RTD public relations manager Tina Jaquez.
>Video above is from a Feb. 28 9NEWS report on the reconstruction project.
RTD said this will have an impact on D, H and L line train riders.
- The D and H lines will be rerouted to Union Station.
- The L line will be suspended completely.
In addition to line train impacts, bus routes along 15th and 17th streets could be temporarily impacted.
During phase one, RTD will focus construction at 15th and Stout streets, 17th and Stout streets, 15th and California streets, 17th and California streets, and Broadway and Welton Street.
The district said these intersections won't go under reconstruction at the same time, but traffic in the area may be affected through the summer to accommodate rotating detours.
According to RTD, the project is meant to increase safety, improve reliability and maintain a 30-year old rail transit system.
Ahead of implementing service changes, RTD is hosting a series of public meetings to inform riders of what's to come and take their feedback.
"It’s very important for us to listen to what our customers want and say, so we have seen some changes made, and we want to be able to respond to what our customers want," Jaquez said.
RTD is hosting a virtual, public meeting, Thursday, March 7, at 12 p.m. for those looking to learn more about the project and share input.
Jaquez said the district also accepts feedback all year-round for those unable to make it to the meeting.
"Our service planners gather information from customers from our employees, operators who are out, operating vehicles, gathering feedback throughout the year," Jaquez said.
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