RTD leaning toward diesel commuter train

THORNTON -- The Regional Transportation District's plan for the north metro corridor aims to improve mobility to one of fastest-growing areas in the region.

However, the transit options have some residents saying, "Not in my backyard."

Members of RTD's North Metro Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) project team presented their findings on transit options to about 127 people Nov. 30 at Rocky Top Middle School in Thornton.

The north metro corridor is a proposed 18-mile transit corridor between Denver Union Station and the 162nd Avenue area, passing through Denver, Commerce City, Thornton, Northglenn and unincorporated Adams County.

This project is part of the FasTracks program, passed by metro area voters in 2004, aimed to expand public transportation services throughout the RTD service area.

Two options presented include a light rail along Interstate 25 or Washington Street and using a diesel commuter train along an existing freight corridor that cuts through residential areas.

Residents vocally preferred the light rail at the Nov. 30 meeting, although the diesel line would stay within RTD's $420 million budget.

A light rail line along I-25 would cost up to $1.4 billion, compared to $410 and $450 million for the diesel line, planners said. An electric commuter line along the freight corridor, another option, would cost about $500 million.

Putting light rail along I-25 would be similar to the T-Rex project that recently completed in the south metro area.

The diesel line would use the existing railroad tracks that go north through Commerce City and Thornton, with some modifications.

The diesel line and light rail cannot switch geographic locations because of federal railroad guidelines.

Light rail can't use the existing freight corridor for safety reasons, as the tracks are still in occasional use by the Union Pacific Railroad, according to Nate Larson, deputy project manager for the consultant team for the north metro corridor.

Likewise, a diesel line can't go along I-25 or Washington Street because of the safety hazards of being next to such a high-traffic area.

Some residents are concerned how a diesel or electric line would affect property values, the environment, safety and noise.

"Right down I-25 is the place to go," said Rita Kerber, a resident of the Hunter Glen neighborhood. The proposed diesel or electric line would run 50 feet from her home, she said.

"I just moved here four months ago, and I'm very upset," she said. "Even if it's twice as expensive to run down I-25, shorten the line. Do it in baby steps, a little bit at a time."

Another resident of Hunter Glen, Mark Artzer, agreed.

"I'm concerned this line will be a disruption to the quality of life in Thornton. How can you put a price on the quality of life in your home and with your family?" he said.

Adams County is the only county that did not pass FasTracks, Artzer added.

"I'm concerned about the safety of the kids and property values," said Thornton resident Kenton Skeels. The proposed diesel or electric line would run through school areas including Rocky Top, he said.

Planners maintain the commuter line would have a positive improvement overall on area property values.

"The possibility of this project is the reason I moved to the neighborhood I did," said Larson, who lives in Hunter Glen. If the line is built, he'll be able to easily hop a train to work in downtown Denver.

At the meeting, planners diligently noted residents' concerns. There were comment boxes and laptop feedback stations where community members could voice their concerns in writing.

People can also voice their thoughts on the project directly to RTD online at www.rtdnorthmetro.com.

The next phase of the project is to take community input back to RTD, federal agencies and the cities and counties along the north metro corridor, Larson said.

RTD began its EIS for the north metro corridor in September. Planners expect to select a preferred transit alternative by March 2007 and to begin drafting the EIS by the fall.

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