FasTracks – Fast Forward

The expansion of the light rail system, which now takes passengers around to several stops within the city and to the Tech Center, is well underway. This expansion has been something local residents and city economists have been talking about for the last 10 years. With the official opening of FasTracks’ newest rail, many communities are planning ahead for when the entire project will be finished and what it will mean for them.  

According to their website and progress reports, one rail line, the West Rail, has already been completed 8 months ahead of schedule and is operational. There are currently five others projects under construction. To date, there has been an estimated $5.3 billion dollars invested into this project. Local economists say, every dollar should translate into a $4 investment for the local economy over 20 years.

Although most experts will agree, the benefits from the Front Range’s new FasTrack system will take time to see, it has already produced significant opportunities in employment for locals. Since 2005, this project has created roughly 12,800 full time jobs and is slated to generate $150 million a year in salaries. Now, more and more people are trying to fast track the FasTracks project in their community. The Northwest Area Mobility Study, the Policy Advisory Committee and RTD recently met to reestablish how to move forward with other new developments in an effort to complete FasTracks as soon as possible. The outcome of this meeting should be released in June, be sure to stay tuned for more details on their website.

Below is a quick progress report of just a few of the FasTracks projects currently underway:

• The West Rail Line covers the 12.1 miles that runs between Denver’s Union Station and the new Jefferson County/Golden Station. Along this route there are 11 new stations, 6 park and rides, and 3 new call and ride services.
• Denver Union Station, the new transit hub for the entire FasTracks, Light Rail and RTD Bus systems, will be unveiled on May 9th and will be operational on May 12th.
• Free MetroRide is a service that will begin on May 12th and will operate on weekdays only during peak hours from 6-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.
• Gold Line is in the first stages of construction as the BNSF Railway, freight trains have been rerouted.
• North Metro Rail Line is in the design phase with early construction plans including the removal of old tracks and the relocation of utilities.
• The Westminster segment of the Northwest Rail Line has almost completed four major bridges and has moved to begin construction on the Clear Creek Bridge.
• US 36 Express Lanes Project is in Phase II and is expected to be completed in the beginning of 2016.