The long-delayed G-line commuter rail service to Denver’s western suburbs received Federal Railroad Administration approval to begin the next phase of testing, according to a Friday news release from the Regional Transportation District.
Testing starts Friday and will continue to increase until simulating a full daily service schedule of nearly 21 consecutive hours a day.
“We are pleased to have arrived at this phase in the testing schedule, and we continue to appreciate the patience of the public, businesses and leaders in the communities along the G Line as we work through all of the necessary details,” said RTD CEO and General Manager Dave Genova. An opening date for the G Line has not yet been announced.
During testing, the public is asked to abide by all the safety signs and respect potential closures of crossings along the route.
As many as three trains will be running every day, operating every half hour as early as 3:30 a.m. through 1 a.m. the next day.
A start day for the simulation of full passenger service hasn’t been set.
Once the G-line opens, trains will run from 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. with service every 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
“During testing, train operators will continue to sound their horns when passing through intersections,” the release read. “Until quiet zones have been approved by the FRA, the use of train horns and other safety measures are important to make drivers and pedestrians aware of train movements. RTD will announce the start of quiet zones for the G Line once such approvals from the FRA are in place.”
Attendants will be stationed at all G-line crossings until RTD receives state and federal approval to remove them.
