RTD lifts three light rail speed restrictions along the D, H, and R lines
Normal train speeds have resumed between the previously impacted stations along the Southwest and Parker Road/I-225 corridors
DENVER (March 7, 2025) –– The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has removed three additional light rail speed restrictions along the D, H, and R lines, returning normal train speeds near Littleton•Downtown, Dayton, and Nine Mile stations. Earlier today, all southbound D Line trains between Oxford•City of Sheridan and Littleton•Downtown stations resumed normal speeds. H and R line trains also resumed normal speeds near Nine Mile and Dayton stations.
Over the last two months, RTD has extended overnight maintenance windows and used contracted crews to bolster its efforts and expedite the necessary track repairs. Since January 1, nine speed restrictions have been fully lifted across the entire light rail network. Of the 29 speed restrictions that were implemented last year, 24 have since been removed.
Slow Zone #1
E and H Lines
One southbound speed restriction remains in place between Yale and Southmoor stations.
Between Tuesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 13, RTD will extend the overnight maintenance window to 12:15 p.m. each day to perform rail maintenance work on the last remaining speed restriction in this zone. Bus shuttles will replace E and H line trains during the daily maintenance windows to provide continued connections in and out of Denver. Completion of this maintenance work will allow the last remaining speed restriction on the E Line to be lifted, but the work is dependent on weather.
Slow Zone #2
E and R Lines
All speed restrictions were lifted in October 2024.
Slow Zone #3
H and R Lines
The inbound H Line speed restriction between Dayton and Southmoor stations has been lifted.
Three speed restrictions remain in this zone near Dayton Station.
RTD crews have recently focused their overnight maintenance efforts on this light rail corridor, and the overall length of the remaining three speed restrictions has been reduced.
Slow Zone #4
D Line
One southbound speed restriction remains in place between Littleton•Downtown and Littleton•Mineral stations. Crews were able to reduce its overall length following the completion of maintenance work this past week.
RTD’s speed restrictions webpage has more information about the six remaining speed restrictions, including illustrations, maps, and photos. Additionally, the agency posts weekly status updates to communicate work that has been completed during the previous seven-day period.
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.
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 were identified for maintenance, and depending on the issue, RTD implemented 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.