The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) restored full service on the R Line starting at approximately 4 a.m. on Nov 29. R Line service was impacted by a derailment that occurred in Aurora on Sept. 21.
Restoring full service to the affected four-mile stretch of the R Line corridor from Aurora Metro Center to the 13th Avenue Station required a redesign of the intersection at Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue, removal of a damaged support pole and adjustment of the overhead electrical system that provides power to the light rail vehicles.
RTD has been collaborating with city of Aurora officials regarding the intersection’s train-traffic interface and with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as part of the safety certification process in alignment with the federally required Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
Pursuant to the agency’s corrective action plan, which was submitted to and approved by the CPUC on Nov. 16, the following safety improvements have been completed:
All work related to the train-traffic interface at the intersection of Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue, meaning that light rail trains must stop prior to proceeding through the intersection
The speed to approach the curve at Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph, with the appropriate signage placed on the right-of-way
The relocation of a radar sign of approximately 100 feet farther north to allow more advance warning and increased visibility
Since the derailment in September, RTD has conducted supplemental training for all light rail operators, targeting speed adherence across the entire light rail system.
Test trains have been operating through the R Line four-mile segment since Nov. 27, familiarizing supervisors, trainers and operators with the speed reduction and the stop-and-proceed requirement.
RTD will have additional signage in place no later than Dec. 31 to advise operators of the curve at Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue.
