RTD Press Release

After more than three years of in-depth alternatives screening, detailed impacts analysis and extensive community outreach, the RTD FasTracks Gold Line project has been approved by the Federal Transit Administration.

The FTA’s approval marks the end of the Gold Line Environmental Impact Statement process, and the beginning of a new phase for the project: final design and construction.

“We are thrilled to reach this milestone,” said Liz Telford, RTD project manager for the Gold Line EIS. “This is great news for both RTD and the community, and it marks a very important step in making the Gold Line a reality.”

The 11.2-mile Gold Line is proposed to run along the BNSF/Union Pacific railroad route from Denver Union Station to Ward Road in Wheat Ridge, passing through northwest Denver, Adams County and Arvada along the way. The line has seven stations, located at 41st Avenue, Pecos, Federal, Sheridan, Olde Town, Arvada Ridge and Ward Road.

Since the Final Environmental Impact Statement comment period ended on September 21, RTD has been hard at work addressing comments and preparing the Record of Decision. Forty individuals and entities submitted comments on the FEIS, which was published in August. Responses to all FEIS comments are available on the Gold Line website (www.rtdgoldline.com).

The approval from the FTA means that the Gold Line can now move into final design and construction. RTD will work with a private-partner to complete the final design, construction operation and maintenance of the Gold Line. This private partner will also provide some of the financing for the $590.5 million project.

With the recent approval from the FTA, the Gold Line is still on schedule to open to the public in 2016.