RTD adds 2 new speed restriction zones to Southeast, Southwest corridors Tuesday

DENVER (KDVR) — While some speed restrictions for the Regional Transportation District’s light rails were lifted Monday, two new speed restriction zones were announced to be implemented Tuesday.

RTD is using the speed restrictions to keep contractors safe as they perform preventative maintenance and track repairs to the light rail system. Customers can find a revised map of speed restrictions and maintenance schedules online here .

The agency said Monday that it will implement a 10 mph speed restriction to the sections of track between County Line and Lincoln stations on the E and R lines. A second restriction will be in effect between the Oxford/city of Sheridan and the Littleton/Downtown stations on the D line.

The speed restrictions will be in place for north and southbound trains and are scheduled to go into effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday. The transportation agency said it will update customers about delays and impacts through its Service Alerts , which are spread through text, email and online notices.

However, there is some relief for riders hoping their trains make their destinations on time: RTD lifted all southbound speed restrictions between Orchard and Arapahoe at Village Center stations on the E and R lines. A speed restriction was also lifted for a small section of track just north of Nine Mile Station on the H and R lines.

In June, RTD told FOX31’s Nate Belt that the majority of repairs are for “railhead burn, ” or a surface defect to the flat section on the top of the rail that can cause safety issues and rail replacement. While the rail currently has no structural defects, the goal of this preventative maintenance is to extend the lifetime of the rail.

RTD is required to slow trains down if rail burn is more than three inches under the American Public Transportation Association . However, that means trains are only going 10 mph when otherwise they travel at about 55 mph.

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