Photo of the D line on the track in downtown Denver and a cyclist riding their bike next to the train.

Light Rail Maintenance and Repairs

UPDATE: March 23, 2025

  • All light rail trains destined for Denver Union Station and the Downtown Loop have resumed normal operating speeds.
  • 24 of the 29 speed restrictions implemented last year have been fully lifted.
  • The five remaining temporary speed restrictions are impacting outbound/southbound light rail trains and do not go the full length between stations.
  • Crews have staged replacement rail along the impacted corridors for overnight work in the coming week.
  • The longest remaining speed restriction is approximately a one-mile section of the E and H lines between Yale and Southmoor stations. This section requires additional rail grinding and other track work before it can be fully lifted. It has been reduced over the past month.
  • Crews are currently focused on replacing roughly a 1,000-foot section on the Southwest Corridor between Littleton•Downtown and Littleton•Mineral stations.

Maintenance and Repairs

Preventative maintenance and isolated track repairs are underway across RTD's light rail system. As repairs are made, speed restrictions will continue to be lifted. The resumption of normal train speeds is dependent on how quickly repairs are made to the isolated sections of track.

Resources

  1. PUC Updates: June - December 2024
  2. PUC Weekly Update: 01-03-2024
  3. PUC Weekly Update: 01-10-2025
  4. PUC Weekly Update: 01-17-2025
  5. PUC Weekly Update: 01-24-2025
  6. PUC Weekly Update: 01-31-2025
  7. PUC Weekly Update: 02-07-2025
  8. PUC Weekly Update: 02-14-2025
  9. PUC Weekly Update: 02-21-2025
  10. PUC Weekly Update: 02-28-2025
  11. PUC Weekly Update: 03-07-2025
  12. PUC Weekly Update: 03-14-2025
  13. PUC Weekly Update: 03-21-2025

Speed Restrictions

Light rail speed restrictions are in place for D, E, H, and R line trains traveling along the Southeast Corridor. The 10 mile-per-hour speed restrictions were implemented on June 4, 2024 and will be in place until crews complete the necessary preventative maintenance. As repairs are made to isolated sections of track, speed restrictions will continue to be lifted.

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Light Rail Inspections

RTD conducts regular inspections of its entire light rail system. The intent of inspections is to identify preventive maintenance that may need to be addressed in the near-term or future. This proactive approach allows the agency to ensure all rail assets are in a state of good repair.

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