RTD continues overnight track repairs, but lifts some speed restrictions for E, R lines
DENVER ( KDVR ) — Good news for frustrated public transportation users: Some speed restrictions for the Regional Transportation District's E and R lines have been lifted between the Orchard Station and the Arapahoe at Village Center Station.
It isn't the end of light rail users' woes, as E and R lines will still be slowing down overnight between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. from July 7 through July 11. However, RTD said it will provide bus shuttles to support customers during the maintenance window.
RTD kept elevator doors at stations open for months: Did it lower crime?
The track repair will "address maintenance issues" that have reduced train speeds south of Southmoor Station, according to an RTD release. FOX31 spoke to frustrated customers who said the delays have caused them to miss their connections because now they can't count on the rail service.
There are a few other speed restriction changes of note:
Orchard Station to Arapahoe at Village Center Station
All northbound speed restrictions lifted
About two miles of southbound speed restrictions lifted
Arapahoe at Village Center Station to Dry Creek Station
All northbound speed restrictions lifted
That means there are two sections of slowdowns : Between Orchard and County Line stations and between Southmoor and Colorado stations. However, going northbound will be faster than going south due to lifted speed restrictions.
The preventative maintenance is also anticipated to have other service impacts overnight. The agency noted that for overnight during July 7-11, the E Line will have:
No service between Southmoor and RidgeGate Parkway stations or northbound from Southmoor Station after approximately 11 p.m.
Bus shuttles through the end of the service day between Southmoor and RidgeGate Parkway stations
No northbound bus shuttle between Southmoor Station and Denver Union Station
Last full-service northbound RidgeGate Parkway Station to Denver Union Station train: Departs at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Last southbound train from Southmoor Station to RidgeGate Parkway Station train: Departs at 10:29 p.m.
During July 8-12 in the mornings, RTD said the E Line northbound service from RidgeGate Parkway to Denver Union Station will begin at 5:33 a.m., and a 4:55 a.m. train from Denver Union Station will depart to Southmoor only. The E line's full-service southbound trips will begin at 5:55 a.m., the agency reported, and no bus shuttles will be provided before these times.
Bustang service offered for RTD riders frustrated by light rail delays
Plans for the R line overnight during July 7-11 will include:
No southbound service between Dayton Station and Lincoln Station beginning at 11 p.m.
Trains terminate at Southmoor Station
Bus shuttles available from Southmoor to Lincoln
Last southbound train from Dayton Station to Lincoln Station: 10:30 p.m.
Last full-service northbound train from Lincoln: Departure at 11:04 p.m.
For July 8-12, the R Line's northbound service from Lincoln to Peoria Station will begin at 5:32 a.m. The transportation agency said no bus shuttle will be available to replace the 5:05 a.m. departure. However, the first southbound train from Peoria to Lincoln is scheduled for 5:25 a.m.
RTD is asking riders for patience and to allow extra time, get service alerts, follow RTD's social media and get the Next Ride app.
