Work Continues on First Phase of Downtown Denver Rail Reconstruction
DENVER, CO – Work commenced on the final segment of the downtown Denver light rail replacement project this week at the 17th Street intersections of California and Stout. These intersections mark the last of five at-grade rail and street crossings undergoing reconstruction as part of a $152 million project to improve aging transit infrastructure in Denver’s downtown. The work is part of a larger, three-year, multi-phase contract to provide a range of project support services on behalf of the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD).
In the project’s first phase, Benesch, as a subcontractor to Triunity Engineering, is serving as the infrastructure field specialist for the full-depth rail replacement of the downtown rail and street intersections. Field staff are responsible for documenting daily progress, issues and safety concerns; checking grades, elevations, levels and drainage; and ensuring ADA compliance for all intersection ramps.
“This kind of work requires a heightened level of attention to detail, as is usually the case when constructing improvements within an already built-out urban environment.” remarked Benesch’s Ryan Garringer, PE, who has been out in the field during this reconstruction project. “Of course, the rail infrastructure adds another layer of complexity.”
The first intersection to undergo reconstruction, Broadway and Welton, presented unique challenges due to its urban constraints and the need for precise placement of tracks and ballast on a curved path through pavement. Even the slightest track misalignment would have been irreversible once the concrete was set.
“We also encountered an issue with an adjacent building at this intersection,” Garringer explained. “During construction, we discovered that the basement ceiling of a nearby building jutted into the trackway, causing an obstruction. Luckily, we were able to quickly develop a solution by getting specialized plates manufactured that we bolted directly into the ceiling of the basement. We were then able to clip the RTD rail onto these plates to resolve the issue.”
Despite these complexities, the Broadway and Welton intersection was completed five days ahead of schedule. Last week, the reconstruction of the15th Street intersections of California and Stout was also completed and reopened to traffic. Work on the final two intersections is expected to conclude early next month.
The project’s second phase will deliver full-depth replacement of 13,000 linear feet of track and modification to eight rail station infrastructure tasks within the downtown central corridor. Benesch will assist RTD with developing RFP documents to hire a Progressive Design Build team, assist with the selection process, then oversee and inspect work for the duration of the project.
“This really is the perfect job for our team,” said Benesch Rail Transit Program Manager Barbara Schroeder, PE. “We have the technical expertise required to successfully oversee Alternative Delivery and advise RTD on contractor schedules, budgets and scopes. Furthermore, our track and structural engineering capabilities make us uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive design and construction review for an urban rail project like this.”
The subsequent three phases of the project are expected to begin in 2025. Once complete, the reconstruction project will extend the life of this critical section of Denver’s transit system, ensuring safe and reliable service for decades to come.
