Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) successfully removed the last 31 light rail speed restrictions placed across portions of the D, E, H, and R lines over the past year. 

The final restriction — a 400-foot southbound segment near Southmoor Station — was lifted after targeted repairs were completed during routine overnight maintenance.

Comprehensive Maintenance Strategy

The restrictions, introduced in May 2024, were part of a broader initiative to improve the safety and reliability of RTD’s 120-mile light rail network. 

In response to findings from intensified track inspections, the agency implemented temporary 10 mph slow zones in four locations until corrective maintenance could be completed.

A coordinated effort involving nearly 100 RTD staff, including rail laborers, track maintainers, and supervisors, spanned months of overnight work to complete repairs safely and efficiently. Much of this work occurred during off-service hours, requiring careful planning around system shutdowns and alternate transportation for riders.

Since the project’s inception:

• 12,091 feet of track (over 2 miles) have been replaced.

• 50-plus miles of rail have been ground to remove surface imperfections.

• Ballast leveling, joint bar installation, and realignment have been performed across the network.

The combined efforts have led to more rail work being completed in a year than RTD had accomplished over the previous two decades.

Elevated Inspection Standards, Practices

RTD’s renewed focus on infrastructure health was guided by adopting the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standards for track inspection and maintenance. These standards encompass visual, mechanical, and ultrasonic inspections designed to identify internal defects before they impact service.

RTD’s inspection regime highlights include annual ultrasonic testing of all 120 miles, walking inspections every 90 days to gather detailed measurements and track anomalies, “hi-rail” vehicle inspections twice weekly, and multiple layers of periodic checks (monthly, quarterly, and annually).

To meet the growing demands of this rigorous schedule, RTD has also increased its track maintenance workforce and plans to expand from 14 to 18 dedicated professionals.