Central Corridor Extension

Central Corridor

The 5.3 mile Central Corridor light 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 Corridor Extension

The Central Corridor Extension, as part of FasTracks, would connect the existing downtown light rail service with the planned 38th/Blake Station on the East Corridor alignment. The recommended alternative for the Central Corridor Extension includes in-traffic rail transit operations. Service would 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 Corridor Extension includes two new stops at 33rd/Downing and 35th/Downing.

Central Corridor Extension Environmental Evaluation Adopted by the RTD Board of Directors!

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 Corridor Extension as well as identifies the environmental impacts and the avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures associated with the impacts.

Click here to view the Central Corridor Extension EE document

The final EE also includes responses to comments received on the draft EE document. The document was distributed to agencies and individuals that provided comments on the Draft EE the week of February 21st and an announcement of its availability on the project website was sent to our email distribution list on February 26th. To view the final EE, please click on the thumbnail at right.

The Preferred Alternative for the Central Corridor Extension includes in-traffic single light-rail vehicle transit between the existing 30th/Downing light rail station and the 38th/Blake station planned for the East Corridor commuter rail line between Denver Union Station (DUS) and the Denver International Airport (DIA). The Preferred Alternative includes roundtrip service between the 38th/Blake station and the downtown Denver light rail loop, using the existing tracks south of 30th/Downing and adds two new stops at 33rd Avenue/Downing and 35th Avenue/Downing.

What Happens Next?
When funding is secured to complete the FasTracks program, it is anticipated that the Central Corridor Extension would then 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 will be prepared and will include a communication program to provide further information about the project.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the process!

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

Central Corridor Video