Person biking past the D Line on the track in downtown Denver

Light Rail Speed Restrictions

UPDATE: December 30, 2024

RTD Maintenance of Way (MOW) staff focused their efforts on mitigating railhead surface defects along the I-225 Corridor near the Nine Mile Station during overnight maintenance windows.

Speed Restrictions

Select speed restrictions are in place for light rail trains across RTD's system. The 10 mile-per-hour speed restrictions were first implemented in Zones 1 and 2 on June 4, and in Zones 3 and 4 on July 12. Restrictions will be in place until necessary preventative maintenance work is completed. As repairs are made to isolated sections of track, speed restrictions will continue to be lifted.

What are speed restrictions?

A speed restriction is a section of track where trains run at slower-than-normal speeds due to any number of ride quality, track, or maintenance issues. Speed restrictions, also known as slow zones, are put in place to ensure customers and employees are safe until any necessary repairs or preventive maintenance work is completed. Track conditions that make speed restrictions necessary can develop for several reasons, including the age of the rail’s infrastructure and weather.

Why were speed restrictions implemented?

In May 2024, RTD staff began using an enhanced inspection methodology on the Southeast Corridor’s light rail track. The thorough and comprehensive inspections included an examination of the track, ties, ballast, clips, and other related infrastructure.

The intent of RTD’s inspections is to identify preventive maintenance that may need to be addressed in the near-term or future. A number of minor issues and cosmetic defects were discovered during RTD’s recent track inspection, and speed restrictions have been temporarily put into place until maintenance issues are resolved.

Customer Support

RTD appreciates everyone’s 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 a number of 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
Customer Care – customers are encouraged to call Customer Care at 303.299.6000 for help planning trips, making connections, or navigating the 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

Will RTD provide bus shuttles for customers impacted by the speed restrictions?

No. RTD will not provide bus shuttles between stations in the Southeast Corridor’s slowdown zones while trains continue operating along the alignment. The agency also does not have the required people power resources to expand its bus operations at a magnitude necessary to support bus shuttles. However, as overnight maintenance work impacts light rail service, shuttles will be provided.

How will RTD update customers about service impacts and repair work?

Maintenance and repair work timelines will be updated online and shared with customers and the public through media advisories, Service Alerts, and social media. Customers impacted by the speed restrictions are encouraged to check this webpage or sign up for Service Alerts.

Additional Transit Options

RTD Bus Routes

RTD has a multiple bus routes operating along the Southeast Corridor to support customers. Specifically, the routes below provide regular service and connections to some of the impacted stations served by the E, H, and R lines.


Route 21 - Evans Avenue	Connects Colorado Station (E and H lines) to Evans Station (D Line)
Route 40 - Colorado Boulevard	Connects Southmoor Station (E and H lines), Colorado Station (E and H lines), and 40th•Colorado Station (A Line)
Route 46 - South Dahlia	Connects Colorado Station, Yale Station, and Southmoor Station (E and H lines)
Route 66 - Arapahoe Road	Connects Arapahoe at Village Center Station (E and R lines) to Littleton•Downtown Station (D Line)
Route 83D / 83L - Cherry Creek / Parker Road	Connects Civic Center Station (Downtown Denver) to Nine Mile Station (H and R lines)
Route 153 - Chambers Road	Connects Arapahoe at Village Center Station (E and R lines), Aurora Metro Center (R Line), and Peoria Station (A and R lines)
Route 402L - Highlands Ranch Parkway	Connects County Line Station (E and R lines) to Littleton•Mineral Station (D Line)
Route AT - Arapahoe County / Denver Airport	Connects Arapahoe at Village Center Station (E and R lines) and Nine Mile Station (H and R lines) to Denver International Airport
Route P - Parker / Denver	Connects Civic Center Station (Downtown Denver) and Parker

Link On Demand Shuttle

Individuals traveling anywhere in Lone Tree and Meridian can use the Link On Demand shuttle service to access light rail stations in that area.

The below map highlights where temporary slow zones are occurring in areas between stations.

Maintenance Timeline

Maintenance work is currently underway. The resumption of normal train speeds is dependent on how quickly repairs are made to the isolated sections of track. As repairs are made, speed restrictions will continue to be lifted. A timeline of the maintenance work and situational updates are available online.

Learn More

State of Good Repair

In 2023, RTD launched the strategic initiative of Back to Basics, a priority emphasis on maintaining all of the agency’s assets in a state of good repair. Like other mass transit agencies, RTD’s assets are at varying ages within their useful life.

All of RTD’s fixed assets are regularly monitored and inspected to ensure they support operationally safe, accessible, and dependable services. Inspections are also a critical component of effective rail management, contributing to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of RTD’s rail system.

Why is it important for RTD to maintain its assets in a state of good repair?

Regular inspections guarantee that the public’s previous investments in RTD’s system remain intact. Maintaining assets in a state of good repair also ensures that the light rail system is reliable and operationally safe.

Light Rail Inspections

RTD conducts regular inspections of its entire light rail system. The intent of inspections is to identify preventative 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.

Learn More

Resources

Safety

RTD always adheres to the highest level of safety standards, even when it