RTD operating light rail trains in Downtown Loop in preparation for Sept. 29 service

RTD will operate light rail trains daily in the Downtown Loop beginning today to familiarize new operators with the alignment ahead of the start of revenue service on Sept. 29.

The training follows completion ahead of schedule of the first phase of RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction project, which focused on reconstructing light rail track and infrastructure at five key intersections in the Downtown Loop.

While operators are in training, light rail vehicles will display “Not in Service” signs as they traverse the Downtown Loop. RTD encourages motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution through intersections and expect trains traveling at normal speeds through downtown at all times and in any direction.

D and H Line service will continue to be rerouted through Union Station, and L Line service will remain suspended until Service Changes take effect Sept. 29. Prior to the resumption of the D, H, and L lines in the Downtown Loop, RTD must first conduct thorough safety testing and operator training on the recently reconstructed tracks.

Additionally, the agency will perform maintenance to overhead electrical wires and address preventative maintenance repairs across the rail network.

RTD’s service changes are planned months in advance and done to increase service reliability, improve on-time performance, and resume routes and lines impacted by planned maintenance projects.

Subsequent phases of the project will begin in 2025, and a final timeline is in development stage.