Denver’s D, H, and L Light Rail lines will resume normal operations starting January 4 after 86 days of construction.
DENVER — After 86 days of construction, Phase Three of RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project has finished, and the affected lines are set to re-open. The project has been suspending and rerouting lines at times since 2024.
“It really worked on some of the agency’s oldest rail infrastructure,” said Tara Broghammer, senior specialist public relations for RTD. “About 30 years old, and 1,300 feet of rail was replaced.”
Starting January 4, the D, H, and L lines will return to their normal routes.
| Line | Previous Status | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| H Line | Limited to Florida Station to Southmoor Station | Returns to regular route downtown |
| D Line | Re-routed to Union Station | Returns to downtown route |
| L Line | Suspended during construction | Back in operation |
In addition to these adjustments, the E, R, H, D, and W lines will have minor schedule changes. Riders are urged to check the RTD website for the latest updates.
Phase 4 of RTD’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project will focus on the Welton Street Corridor.
“Honestly, I think the train not running was a positive for this neighborhood,” said Norman Harris, executive director of the Five Points Business Improvement District. Part of the L Line runs straight down Welton Street in Five Points.
He mentioned that the delays and track design have inspired a movement to consider removing the L Line altogether. “If there were hundreds of people that the train were delivering to the doorsteps of businesses here, I’d be ecstatic about it,” Harris said.
Community members in favor of removing the L Line believe adjusting the 38 and 43 Bus Routes could provide quicker transportation without occupying as much space as a light rail line. “The vision is gaining momentum,” Harris said. “What I’d love to see for just the future of Five Points is for this corridor to be transit rich.”
RTD stated there is currently no set time for the start of Phase Four of their construction on Welton.
