RTD continues L Line safety improvements testing ahead of Sept. service changes

RTD continues to conduct train testing along a portion of the L Line between 20th•Welton and 30th•Downing stations that began Monday, Sept. 16.

The agency plans to operate test trains daily between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., to ensure newly installed safety improvements for the double-track section of Welton function as intended ahead of the return of L Line light rail service to the corridor on Sept. 29.

The Welton Street Safety Improvements project, which began in 2023, enhances safety measures to reduce the potential of accidents at intersections along the Welton Corridor by replacing outdated train-related roadway signs and upgrading existing train warning traffic signals, or “blank-out” signs, to better warn motorists of trains approaching the intersections. The new blank-out signs were specifically designed to alert motorists or pedestrians in light rail corridors such as Welton Street that run alongside city streets.

The project also converts the previous relay-based signal system along Welton to a new microprocessor-based system consistent with the signal systems equipment in use throughout RTD’s light rail system.

During the testing, light rail vehicles will operate in both directions along Welton Street at various speeds to test train location technology and ensure all signals are functioning as intended. Light rail trains will be stored overnight at 30th•Downing Station during the testing.

Motorists can expect single lane closures in both directions on Park Avenue while test trains are operating on the tracks between 20th•Welton and 30th•Downing stations. For safety’s sake, please obey traffic signs and safety measures in place.