Denver's light rail system began service on October 7, 1994, with 5.3 miles of track connecting 30th Avenue and Downing Street to Interstate 25 and Broadway. Much of the original track infrastructure in the Downtown Loop has remained in place since that first line opened. Today, that same infrastructure serves 10 rail stations across the D, H and L Lines, carrying more than 300 light rail trains through the Downtown Loop every day.
In May 2024, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) began the Downtown Rail Reconstruction project — the first system-wide rehabilitation of its oldest light rail infrastructure. The project is being delivered by a FlatironDragados-led joint venture with Herzog, working in close coordination with RTD to keep the network in a state of good repair for the next 30 years.
Reconstructing Light Rail Track in a Busy City
Light rail track that has carried three decades of daily service requires more than routine maintenance. The FlatironDragados and Herzog team is removing the existing aging light rail track and replacing it with 13,000 feet of new light rail track.
This full reconstruction will improve safety and reliability for the tens of thousands of riders, pedestrians and drivers who share downtown Denver's streets every day.
Keeping the Loop Moving
The project also reflects the coordination required to rebuild active transit infrastructure with as little construction disruption as possible. Maintaining service and access throughout construction has been central to how this project is delivered. Throughout the project, our team has worked closely with the client and partners to ensure community access to local businesses and schools is preserved as much as possible throughout each phase.
Utilizing the progressive design-build delivery method allows our team to deliver the project collaboratively, and on a shorter timeline than traditional delivery methods.
Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project Overview
Client: Regional Transportation District
Contractor: FlatironDragados led joint venture with Herzog
Project Type: Light Rail Infrastructure
Significance: The Downtown Rail Reconstruction project is modernizing light rail infrastructure in downtown Denver while supporting long-term system reliability and operations.
