North Metro rail

Construction on the first 12.5-mile phase of the new North Metro commuter rail line has been launched by the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), with an aim to enhance transit options for the region’s northern communities.

The North Metro Rail Line is part of RTD’s FasTracks 120-mile commuter and light rail expansion programme and will run from Denver Union Station through Commerce City, Thornton and Northglenn to 162nd Avenue in North Adams County.

The corridor will also provide access for passengers from northern suburb communities to the new commuter rail hub at Denver’s Union Station.

RTD general manager and CEO Phil Washington said: "More than a year ago, this line was not set to be completed for many years.

"Now, because of innovative financing, working with our stakeholders and reaching out to the private sector, we are here today breaking ground on the first phase of the North Metro Rail Line."

RTD contractor Regional Rail Partners (RRP) will be responsible to oversee the design and build of the first phase of the electrified commuter rail line, which will run from Denver Union Station to 124th Avenue.

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"This line was not set to be completed for many years."

The RRP team includes Graham Contracting, Balfour Beatty Rail, Stantec Consulting, Parsons Brinkerhoff, Zann and Associates, Communications Connections Consulting, Pinyon Environmental and Iron Horse Architects.

The North Metro Rail Line is scheduled to open in 2018. Construction on the final six miles to 162nd Avenue/Colorado Highway 7 will start as soon as funds become available.

RTD FasTracks is working on the construction of other rail lines that include the East Rail Line to Denver International Airport; the Gold Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge; the I-225 Rail Line in Aurora; and the first segment of the Northwest Rail Line to Westminster.

Image: The ceremonial spike-pull to commemorate groundbreaking for the North Metro Rail Line. Photo: FasTracks Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) Denver, Colorado.

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