Track would run in traffic along Downing from 30th Ave. stop

RTD is trying to move forward in a Denver first - a light-rail segment where trains share lanes with other vehicles.

As part of the planned FasTracks project, the Regional Transportation District plans to connect the 30th Avenue and Downing Street station in Denver's Five Points neighborhood to the proposed East Corridor commuter-rail line, which will take riders to Denver International Airport.

Unlike the other light rail lines, this one is planned to run in traffic, similar to a streetcar, said Mark Baudermann, Central Corridor Extension project manager.

The one-mile line will look like a typical light rail, except instead of having its own route along the road, it will run on tracks in the road, Baudermann said.

It will operate like other vehicles, obeying traffic rules, like a bus, Baudermann said. Vehicles can pass it and travel over the tracks, he said. Traveling at the speed limit, it shouldn't create more traffic along Downing, he said, adding that no properties would be affected since it will operate in the road.

Denver had an extensive streetcar system throughout the city starting in the late 19th century until the 1950s when people started taking shorter trips in cars and buses, according to the Denver Streetcars Web site.

Beginning in 1994, RTD brought back remnants of the trolley-style mode. The Central Corridor plan is taking the next step by operating in traffic, Baudermann said.

"The move to put the rail in traffic like a streetcar is a great idea," said Joel Noble, vice president of the Curtis Park Neighborhood Association. "The rest of Denver should take a look at this when it's built."

Noble said putting light rail in traffic is a good option for other corridors in which riders take short trips, such as along Colfax Avenue.

At a public meeting last week, some neighbors criticized RTD's ridership projections that determined only one light rail car would be needed for the Central Corridor Extension.

Some neighbors, including Noble, also wanted RTD to fully commit to using a streetcar, which is smaller, instead of a light-rail train.

Baudermann said light rail can make turns that a streetcar can't and is the less expensive option. Still, the price tag for the extension is almost $70 million, Baudermann said.

Pending approval and funding - the Central Corridor Extension is one of six FasTracks elements that are in need of additial funding - the goal is to build the line by 2017, Baudermann said.

RTD will host more public meetings for residents to provide input on the Central Corridor Extension. For more information, go to www.rtdfastracks.com or call 303-299-2000.