Northwest Rail Peak Service Feasibility Study

The Study is a continuing collaborative effort between RTD, local transportation partners, and northwest area community stakeholders. Together, the Study team aims to provide a rail solution to the northwest area by evaluating commuter rail operations along the existing BNSF Railway railroad tracks during the busiest travel and commute times – or peak periods (morning and afternoon). Over 24 months, the Study will identify the requirements, costs, and operational needs to upgrade existing track, develop rail stations, and provide peak service along the Northwest Rail Line running from the existing Westminster Station at 72nd Avenue to Boulder and terminating in Longmont. The Study will determine the best approach for peak period service, which includes three weekday morning trips from Longmont to Denver and three weekday evening trips from Denver to Longmont.

As part of the 2013 Northwest Area Mobility Study (NAMS), RTD and northwest area stakeholders were (and currently remain) committed to assessing Northwest Rail implementation strategies and keeping the public informed of progress. The ongoing efforts of the Study offer a unique opportunity for RTD to partner with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District to advance the regional mobility conversation. RTD is working collaboratively with CDOT to identify and establish a common set of facts between these two regional projects.

The Study has four primary goals:

1. Provide updated engineering plans and cost estimates to determine Peak Service recommendations
2. Identify all risks and mitigations to RTD and the communities impacted along the alignment
3. Design in a manner to preserve opportunities to expand service in the future (the full-build vision)
4. Align RTD strategically with the agency’s stated goals of partnering with external stakeholders such as the corridor communities, CDOT, and the FRPR District.

Currently, there is no planned start date for revenue service. The Study is determining the feasibility of implementing Peak Service, which includes identifying costs and operational requirements. The year 2030 is being used as a “future” year for costs and benefits comparison. This information will enable RTD and the Northwest Rail stakeholders to seek funding opportunities for peak period service implementation.

As part of the FasTracks plan in 2004 and subsequent studies and agency coordination, the following stations were selected for Northwest Rail Peak Service. There are four existing stations and six proposed stations for Peak Service:

• Existing Stations (4)
  • Denver Union Station
  • 41st•Fox (B and G lines)
  • Pecos Junction (B and G lines)
  • Westminster – 72nd (B Line)
• Proposed Stations (6)
  • Downtown Westminster
  • Broomfield - 116th
  • Flatiron (Broomfield)
  • Downtown Louisville
  • Boulder Junction at Depot Square
  • Downtown Longmont

In the Northwest Rail Corridor Final Environmental Evaluation (EE) study conducted in 2010, the Northwest Rail full-build scenario anticipates operation of 55 trains daily. Considering the challenges with a dedicated funding source for the full-build scenario, the Study offers a phased approach for providing rail service within the northwest region. The Study proposes three weekday morning trips from Longmont to Denver and three weekday evening trips from Denver to Longmont. RTD and the Northwest Rail stakeholders anticipate that when peak service commences, it will garner more support and attract more captive transit customers required for full-build service expansion. This phased approach could provide an effective way to achieve the future full-build vision.

Introducing commuter rail service is more complex than adding passenger trains to the existing railroad track from Westminster to Longmont. The process would involve establishing an operations agreement with BNSF Railway and other factors including safety upgrades to the track and new freight sidings (passing track). Peak Service will also require new rail vehicles to accommodate existing and proposed stations. Additionally, a new commuter rail maintenance facility and new stations with Park-n-Ride lots must be considered to provide commuter rail service that is consistently maintained and accessible for all customers.

A freight siding is a track built parallel to the main track that allows trains to pass. Building short siding segments throughout the rail alignment is less expensive and has fewer land use impacts than building a second track the entire length of the railway. Based on information shared by BNSF Railway in 2017, four sidings, approximately one- to two-miles in length, are anticipated to effectively operate Peak Service while allowing the BNSF Railway to maintain freight operations. Freight trains would be directed to the sidings while commuter rail passenger trains operate during the peak periods. RTD is currently partnering with BNSF Railway to assess the 2017 operating assumptions to determine required sidings and locations for the peak period operations.

As part of the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study, RTD is evaluating potential sites near the proposed Downtown Longmont station for a future maintenance facility. The facility would clean, maintain, fuel, and repair commuter trains, and the trains would be stored at the facility when they’re not in service. The Commuter Rail Facility at 5151 Fox St. in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood is similar to the facility needed to support Northwest Rail. The maintenance facility is vital for bringing sustainable and reliable commuter rail service to northwest area communities.

RTD initially identified 9 potential sites. Six sites were eliminated through a screening process that considered constructability, planned development, and environmental impacts. Three potential sites remain for further study:

• East of Martin Street, south of the BNSF Railway tracks, and north of Longmont’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• North of Sugar Mill Road and south of the Great Western Railway tracks.
• North of the Great Western Railway tracks and south of East Rogers Road.

Why these sites?

• In close proximity to the end-of-line Downtown Longmont Station
• Border an existing rail track that can connect to proposed Northwest Rail tracks
• Large enough for a rail maintenance facility with space to support all-day rail service in the future

At this time, there are no approved plans to acquire property or construct the facility.

• RTD continues to assess potential sites for constructability, suitability, and impacts to local communities.
• Study findings and recommendations will inform next steps for the facility.

Since FasTracks was passed in 2004, RTD has encountered challenges implementing the full-build vision, including substantially escalated project costs, lack of immediately available funding, and evolving operations requirements.

The Study is developing capital construction and operating cost estimates so RTD, local transportation providers, and community stakeholders have a common set of facts. The Study will provide valuable information about potential funding sources for peak service. RTD remains committed to collaborating with local transportation providers and community stakeholders to identify local, state, federal, and private funding sources that could be used to advance Northwest Rail with peak service and beyond.

The work will be accomplished within a series of “Milestone” decision points to encourage participation and meaningful input from stakeholders and the public. Throughout each milestone, the Study Team meets with local representatives from each jurisdiction for input on station design plans and integrating the rail system into existing and planned infrastructure. These initial recommendations will be shared with the public and to gather input starting in early 2023. Ultimately, the Study will conclude with a report summarizing the infrastructure costs as well as the operations and maintenance requirements associated with providing Peak Service for the Preferred Configuration (the recommended track alignment with freight sidings, high-level station concepts, and commuter rail maintenance facility plans). This common set of facts will help RTD and local decision-makers determine if advancing the Peak Period commuter rail service is a viable investment.

In order to meet the project goal of partnering with project stakeholders, The Study Advisory Team is comprised of representatives from Boulder County; Boulder Transportation Connections; the cities of Arvada, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, and Westminster; City and County of Broomfield, CDOT, Commuting Solutions, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), and Front Range Passenger Rail District. The Study Advisory Team meets monthly to guide the development of the Study.

RTD is committed to being collaborative, inclusive, and transparent in the decision-making process to arrive at a consensus-driven peak period operating scenario. The decision-making process will occur through five milestones focused on achieving a common understanding of current challenges and considerations for bringing about train service as outlined in the FasTracks program. There will be public input opportunities throughout the milestone process, including in-person pop-up events, open houses, and online input opportunities. Additionally, the Study is identifying disadvantaged communities and evaluating the anticipated impacts and benefits of Northwest Rail to those communities. Community-based organizations representing low-income, communities of color, and other historically disadvantaged groups will be involved in the decision-making process.

The Northwest Rail Peak Service Study is committed to providing timely and accurate information. The Study is organizing opportunities to provide public input through the project website, pop-up events, online self-guided meetings, and in-person events. Check the 60-Day Look Ahead section on the website for the most up-to-date information. Online and in-person opportunities will be posted on the Study website, shared through RTD social media, and promoted through community-based organizations and city partnerships.

• Fill out an online comment card and sign-up for e-newsletters through the Study website.
• Participate in a self-guided online meeting, pop-up events, or in-person open house. Check the Study website for details.

In 2004, the Denver metropolitan region, with strong support from the northwest area communities, voted to build the FasTracks Program. The FasTracks Program includes Northwest Rail, which is a commuter rail service from Denver Union Station to Longmont along the existing BNSF Railway. Since FasTracks was passed, RTD has encountered challenges implementing the full-build vision, including substantially escalated project costs, lack of immediately available funding, and evolving operations requirements.

In 2022, RTD, in collaboration with the northwest area stakeholders, CDOT, and DRCOG, began the Peak Service Study to keep the conversation moving forward. The advancement of the Front Range Passenger Rail makes this the right moment for the Peak Service Study. The Study puts RTD in a better position for possible collaboration with the FRPR District and CDOT.

In 2022, the Colorado legislature established the FRPR District, a state agency to develop and ultimately operate a passenger rail system along the North Front Range. Representatives from FRPR District serve on the Study Advisory Team and are part of the Technical Representatives guiding the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study.

RTD initiated NAMS in 2013 to develop an agreement among RTD, CDOT, local transportation partners, and community stakeholders on cost-effective, immediate-term mobility improvements that address growing congestion and improve travel in the northwest region. NAMS confirmed the commitment to the longer-term implementation of Northwest Rail, as envisioned in FasTracks, while still constructing nearer-term Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on US 36 and CO 119, which parallel the Northwest Rail Line. The now-completed US 36 Project rebuilt the highway and implemented BRT through the Flatiron Flyer service between Boulder and Denver. The CO 119 Bus Rapid Transit Project is currently being completed in cooperation with CDOT and is proceeding with joint funding. The Study is coordinating with concurrent and adjacent transportation projects, like the Flatiron Flyer and CO 119 Bus Rapid Transit Project, to ensure Northwest Rail service is complementary.

RTD's ongoing commitment to FasTracks includes extending commuter rail service from Denver Union Station to Longmont. As part of the 2013 NAMS, RTD and northwest area stakeholders are committed to assessing Northwest Rail implementation strategies and keeping citizens abreast of the progress. The Study progresses the ongoing efforts of providing multi-modal mobility solutions within the northwest region. This current time offers a unique opportunity for RTD to partner with CDOT and FRPR District to advance the Northwest Rail conversation. RTD is committed to restoring transit service during regular service plan adjustments in accordance with the agency’s System Optimization Plan (SOP). For information on service planning and changes, visit RTD’s website.

In 2004, the Denver metropolitan region, with strong support from the northwest area community, approved a tax to build the FasTracks transit system, which includes Northwest Rail. RTD is advancing this Peak Service Study as part of its commitment to the FasTracks Plan. As part of RTD’s core mission of transit service delivery, the agency is continually evaluating service for other communities as part of the agency’s regular service plan adjustments and other future projects within, and in addition to what is contained in the RTD System Optimization Plan.

In the Northwest Rail Corridor Final Environmental Evaluation (EE) study conducted in 2010, the Northwest Rail full-build scenario considered a station in the Gunbarrel/Niwot segment along CO 119. Due to the lack of a dedicated funding source for the full-build scenario, RTD is investigating the feasibility of a peak service concept for the Northwest Rail solution. The Study offers a phased approach for providing rail service within the Northwest region with a limited number of stops. As the Peak Service concept materialized, the Northwest area stakeholders, along with RTD, worked together to identify preferred station locations. RTD and the Northwest Rail stakeholders anticipate that if peak service commences, it will garner more support and attract more transit customers required to justify incremental service expansion. This phased approach could provide an effective way to achieve a full-build vision of the future.

The Northwest Rail Corridor Final Environmental Evaluation (EE) conducted by RTD in 2010 describes the full-build scenario with all-day service and a lower level of weekend service. The level of service projected in the EE would require significant infrastructure, including a second track through the entire Northwest Rail corridor. The peak service concept is a first step to examine rail service to the northwest area that requires minimal infrastructure improvements while allowing for future service expansion. Reverse commute (Union Station to Longmont in the morning) will be studied further in a future effort.

In 2021, the Colorado legislature established the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) District to develop and ultimately operate an intercity passenger rail system from Pueblo to Fort Collins and extending into New Mexico and Wyoming in the future. Both Northwest Rail and FRPR are evaluating operating train service on the BNSF Railway freight tracks between Denver and Longmont.

The Northwest Rail and FRPR technical teams and stakeholders meet regularly to share data and information, ensure technical consistency and address any technical challenges, especially those related to potential shared stations. The projects are being designed to not preclude the respective operations of each.

The FRPR District executive staff serves on the Study Advisory Team and RTD’s General Manager serves on the board of the FRPR District.

As the Northwest Rail Peak Service Study and Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan mature, coordinating planning efforts will outline opportunities for partnership and coordinated operations, advancing cost efficiencies and implementation of both projects.

Potential partnership opportunities include track improvements, safety and road crossing upgrades, common fleet elements, shared stations and platforms, and coordinated operations and maintenance. Ultimately, the RTD and FRPR District Boards of Directors will determine joint investment and coordinated operations for the corridor.