R is for I-225? Exploring the new light rail line along the I-225 Corridor
ULC’s Karly Malpiede toured one of 5 new lines that RTD is opening in 2016. Check out the great progress being made on the R Line:
The R Line is on time and on budget, on track to open in Winter 2016 along with four other lines. It’s been 6 years since RTD completed the environmental planning process, 2 years since construction began and a little more than 1 year until the train is open for business. The 10.5 mile long line will carry light rail vehicles from the existing 9 Mile station to Peoria Station, where passengers can access a transfer station to the A Line which is the commuter train to the airport. RTD hosted this public tour to show residents and travelers the progress they are making, they do this for all the lines.
Lisa Trujillo, Manager of Public Information and Outreach for the I225 Rail Line, explained that RTD works with local leaders to ensure the FasTracks buildout comports with their vision for their community. Aurora asked the train not just run along I-225 but traverse the City center to give the line a more urban feel and help spur transit oriented development (TOD) along the corridor. This will help them leverage this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Each line has been assigned a letter and color, most were claimed years ago as is the case for the R Line. Eventually the Southeast line (i.e. the H Line) will be expanded with two additional stops, the last being Ridegegate. Once those stations are built the I-225 line will run from Peoria along I-225, onto the Southeast corridor tracks and end at the Ridgegate Station. This is how R came to stand for I-225 There has been tons of planning and work done to honor the voters vision to fruition and soon regional rail transit will be a reality in the Rocky Mountains.