RTD to implement two new speed restrictions near Littleton•Downtown and County Line stations

RTD will implement two new speed restrictions tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. along the Southeast and Southwest corridors. A 10 mile-per-hour restriction will be added to sections of track between County Line and Lincoln stations on the E and R lines. Additionally, a separate restriction will go into effect between Oxford•City of Sheridan and Littleton•Downtown stations on the D Line. The new speed restrictions will be in place on both the northbound and southbound segments of track.

The overall impact to customers will depend on the specific rail line traveled and length of the slow zone. RTD will continue to update its Service Alerts to communicate delays and customer impacts.

Preventative maintenance and track repair work continues across RTD’s light rail system to address minor issues and surface defects. As with the previous speed restrictions issued last month, no structural defects to the rail base, fasteners, rail substructure, or rail bed were observed in the new speed restriction segments. RTD has every indication that the track remains stable and intact along both the Southeast and Southwest corridors.

Earlier today, RTD lifted all southbound speed restrictions between Orchard and Arapahoe at Village Center stations on the E and R lines. Additional speed restrictions were also removed from a small section of track just north of Nine Mile Station on the H and R lines. As overnight maintenance and repair work is completed, the agency will continue to lift speed restrictions and resume normal light rail speeds.

The agency’s speed restrictions webpage has been updated to reflect this information. A revised map and maintenance schedule are available at www.rtd-denver.com/light-rail-speed-restrictions.

In May 2024, RTD began a more robust inspection process of its light rail system to identify preventative maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. As areas along the rail alignment were identified for maintenance, and depending on the issue, RTD implemented speed restrictions until crews are able to complete necessary repair work. More information about RTD’s enhanced light rail inspection process is available at www.rtd-denver.com/light-rail-inspections.

RTD appreciates customers’ patience during the temporary impact to light rail services. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow for extra time to reach their destinations. To assist customers impacted by the speed restrictions, RTD provides the following resources and support options:

• Service Alerts – text, email, and online notices that provide real-time information on delays, detours, disruptions, cancellations, and the resumption of service
• Impact Team – RTD is dispatching employee ambassadors to various rail stations and bus stops to assist customers with trip planning and to provide information about disruptions and maintenance
• Customer Care – customers are encouraged to call Customer Care at 303.299.6000 for help planning trips, making connections, or navigating service disruptions
• Next Ride App – customers can use RTD’s Next Ride app to plan trips and learn about disruptions
• Social Media – RTD’s digital team is available via social media to provide customized help and assistance
  

RTD is committed to maintaining and providing operationally safe and reliable transit services for all customers and employees. The agency always adheres to the highest level of safety standards, even when it may result in an impact to scheduled services and on-time performance. Agency decisions are based on applying the highest level of standards to prioritize safe operations. The light rail system remains safe for RTD to continue running trains and serving customers.