When voters approved the $880 million southeast corridor light rail, officials set a 2008 deadline for opening the line.
But future riders won’t have to wait that long, as the 19-mile rail will open Nov. 17, almost two years ahead of schedule.
On Saturday, T-REX and Regional Transportation District officials joined local media for the first official trip on the new light-rail line.
“This is our day,” said RTD board member Barbara Yamrick. “We’re ahead of schedule and under budget, with plans to keep it going.”
The reviews were positive: The ride was smooth and fast. The new cars are spotless and identical to those originally used in 1994.
When the southeast corridor line opens, it will add additional rail service from Interstate 25 and Broadway to Lincoln Avenue in Douglas County. Another light-rail line will stretch along Interstate 225 to Parker Road in Aurora.
More than 35,000 passengers use light-rail daily, according to RTD officials, and with the addition of new light-rail lines, transportation authorities hope many more commuters will give up their vehicles for a ride on the train.
“This will double ridership,” said RTD spokesman Scott Reed.
The new southeast corridor should help reduce traffic congestion on I-225 between South Parker Road and I-70, which are considered to be the most congested in the state, according to an analysis done by the state.
There are six pedestrian bridges crossing the new rail line, including some that stretch over I-25. Five underground tunnels were built along the corridor so travelers cannot peer into homeowners’ backyards.
Before the southeast light rail opens to the public, additional test runs will be conducted and analyzed.
More than 1,700 T-REX construction workers and about 500 engineers worked and consulted on the massive transportation project. Construction began in 2001.
On Saturday, Jerry Nery, engineering manager for FasTracks, said he was pleased with the ride, but something was clearly missing.
“All we need is more people,” Nery said.
Staff writer Annette Espinoza can be reached at 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com.
