Central Rail Extension

Central Rail Line

The 5.3 mile Central rail line originally opened in 1994 and is Denver's first light rail line running from I-25/Broadway, through downtown Denver, and along Welton Street to 30th/Downing.

Central Rail Extension

The Central Rail Extension, as part of FasTracks, will connect existing downtown light rail service with the planned 38th/Blake Station on the East Rail Line alignment. The recommended alternative for the Central Rail Extension includes in-traffic rail transit operations. Service will be provided by a fleet of single light rail vehicles that complete round trip service between downtown Denver and the 38th/Blake Station. The recommended alternative for the Central Rail Extension includes two new stops at 33rd/Downing and 35th/Downing.

Central Rail Extension Environmental Evaluation

On February 16, 2010, the RTD Board of Directors adopted the Environmental Evaluation (EE) for the Central Corridor Extension. The EE includes a Preferred Alternative recommendation for the Central Rail Extension as well as identifies the environmental impacts and the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures associated with the impacts. The final EE also includes responses to comments received on the draft EE document (Appendix A). Click here to view the EE.

Next Steps

When funding is secured to complete the FasTracks program, the Central Rail Extension will move to final design and construction. During this phase, RTD will continue coordination with project partners, coordinating agencies and stakeholders. In addition, a construction mitigation plan and a communication program will be included to provide further information about the project.

Public Involvement is crucial to the Central Rail Extension. We encourage you to use this site to learn about the project, and we welcome your comments and feedback.

Check out the Central Rail Line Video!