Self-propelled diesel commuter rail running in an existing freight corridor is the only train technology that likely would stay within RTD’s $420 million budget for the north metro FasTracks rail line to northern Adams County, according to transit planners.
Diesel rail would cost between $410 million and $450 million while electric-powered commuter rail would cost up to $500 million, north metro government officials were told Tuesday.
Local officials and residents in Adams County had asked planners to consider alternatives to diesel or electric commuter rail in the freight corridor, but an analysis shows that it could cost three times as much – up to $1.4 billion – to build a light-rail line along Interstate 25 to 168th Avenue, and nearly $1.2 billion to run light rail up Washington Street.
Train alignments next to I-25 or on Washington Street would most likely require the taking of hundreds of businesses and homes, planners told local officials.
Building commuter rail, whether diesel or electric, in the freight corridor would require taking very few properties, they added.
Diesel commuter rail would cover the 18.7-mile north metro route from Colorado 7 to Union Station in about 29 minutes, according to the analysis of transit options for north metro.
The comparable trip on I-25 at peak travel times by 2030 will take 51 minutes, it added.
The north metro route is one of six new rail lines that will be built as part of RTD’s $4.7 billion FasTracks program. The line is due to open in 2015.
Planners preparing an environmental study of the north metro rail line will host public meetings to detail options for the rail project.
Tonight’s meeting in Commerce City is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Adams City High School, 4625 E. 68th Ave. Thursday’s meeting has the same hours and is at Rocky Top Middle School, 14150 York Street in Thornton. Each night there will be a presentation and discussion from 6:15 to 7:30.
Staff writer Jeffrey Leib can be reached at 303-954-1645 or jleib@denverpost.com.
