RTD’s two-year Coping Panels Project concludes weeks ahead of schedule
RTD has concluded its multi-year project to repair the caps of retaining walls that run along I-25 between Denver and Lone Tree. The project, which was initially scheduled to run through mid-September, began in April 2023. All equipment has been removed from the alignment, and light rail trains that were required to single track around work crews commenced double-track operations earlier this evening.
Even though some temporary speed restrictions remain in place along the Southeast Corridor, customers will immediately notice improvements to travel times along the E, H, and R lines. The single tracking of light rail trains due to the Coping Panels Project caused the most significant travel delays this summer. Operating bi-directionally over a single-track section required light rail trains to wait for the track ahead to clear prior to proceeding.
On April 3, 2023, RTD began the two-year project to perform maintenance and repairs to the caps of retaining walls, called coping panels, between I-25•Broadway Station and Lincoln Station. All coping panels along the Southeast Corridor were reinforced to provide additional strength and weather resistance. The repair work could only be performed during warm weather months, and a two-year project timeline was initially developed. This year, RTD's project contractor added extra work crews to expedite the repairs, resulting in its completion approximately three weeks ahead of schedule.
RTD is currently addressing multiple preventative maintenance projects and repairs across its system. In the past, some efforts, including the Coping Panels Project, were put on hold to avoid disrupting service. However, as the agency continues to transition from a focus on capital construction to one of enhanced system safety, service reliability, and managing all assets in a state of good repair, multiple projects are now simultaneously underway. Leveraging these endeavors in the near term will mitigate the need for costlier and more disruptive efforts in the future.
E, H, and R line light rail service will continue to operate on its current schedule through Sunday, Sept. 29. Customers are encouraged to use the agency’s Next Ride app to plan a trip, view all mobility options, and sign up for Service Alerts.
RTD recognizes this work has affected service schedules and thanks its customers for their patience during the duration of the project.