RTD lifts all northbound D Line speed restrictions, significantly shortens final E Line restriction south of Yale Station
RTD has removed all remaining northbound speed restrictions in Slow Zone #4 along the D Line, returning normal train speeds heading into Denver. Additionally, crews reduced the last remaining restriction in Slow Zone #1 by approximately 2,200 feet, significantly increasing southbound travel times for light right customers along the E and H lines.
Crews performed rail grinding over the past week during overnight maintenance windows to remove the northbound restrictions for the D Line between Evans and Englewood stations and Oxford•City of Sheridan and Littleton•Downtown stations. Crews were also able to make progress on the last remaining speed restriction on the E Line between the Yale and Southmoor stations.
Temporary speed restrictions remain in place on the southbound portions of the D Line between Evans and Englewood stations and a 700-foot section of rail between Oxford•City of Sheridan and Littleton•Downtown stations.
Next week, maintenance crews will conduct rail grinding work along the I-225 corridor between Florida and Southmoor stations during extended maintenance windows Tuesday, Feb. 11, through Thursday, Feb. 13. The extended maintenance windows will temporarily impact light rail service on the H and R lines, and bus shuttle service will be provided between the five impacted light rail stations. H and R line trains will not operate on their normal routes between 4:30 a.m. and approximately 12:30 p.m. each day of the three-day period.
In June 2024, RTD initially implemented speed restrictions across 12 sections of track along the Southeast Corridor, which serves the E, H, and R lines. To date, 11 of the 12 initial speed restrictions have been fully lifted. Eight restrictions implemented last July and August have since been removed following the completion of maintenance work. In October 2024, all speed restrictions in Slow Zone #2, between Orchard and Lincoln stations, were lifted.
In May 2024, RTD began a more robust inspection process of its light rail system to identify preventive maintenance issues that may need to be proactively addressed. As areas of track are identified for maintenance, and depending on the issue, RTD implements 10 mile-per-hour speed restrictions until crews are able to complete necessary repair work. Due to RTD’s aging rail infrastructure, temporary speed restrictions will continue to be implemented in the future and lifted as track repair work is completed.
RTD’s speed restrictions webpage has more information, including illustrations, maps, photos, weekly status updates, video, and frequently asked questions. It is important to note that, in some instances, RTD’s online slow zone map shows speed restrictions going the full length between light rail stations. However, the actual length of some 10 mile-per-hour speed restrictions do not run the entirety of sections highlighted on the map.