Seemingly esoteric matters of crossing safety and gate activation times are presenting a major obstacle for RTD's commuter rail expansion projects in the Denver area.
John Aguilar reports on a major setback for the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in the Denver region, after the Colorado Public Utilities Commission denied a commuter rail safety plan affecting the A, B, and G lines.
According to Aguilar, the Public Utilities Commission denied a "request to change the timing of crossing gates on several of the metro area’s commuter rail lines, as well as turning down a planned resumption of full testing on the as yet unopened G-Line."
The request was essential to the RTD's plan to set an opening date for the G Line. "The rulings also leave in question when flaggers, who at substantial cost have been stationed at the crossings along two rail lines for more than a year, will no longer be needed," according to Aguilar. Aguilar led coverage by The Denver Post of the extra costs incurred to pay flaggers at 11 at-grade crossings on Denver's airport train.
FULL STORY: RTD’s A, B and G lines remain in limbo after state regulators reject commuter rail safety plan
Train to Denver Airport Threatened with Closure over Crossing Gate Woes
The Federal Railroad Administration is threatening to revoke the waiver that allows the A-Line to operate with flaggers at grade crossings unless the Regional Transit District presents a plan by mid-month to fix the crossing gate problems.
G-Line Commuter Rail Opens Today, Connecting Denver to Suburbs
A new commuter line is open today in Denver, after facing challenges and delays that continue to plague other previously opened rail lines in the region.
B Line Commuter Rail Extension Gets a Green Light in Colorado
The Board of Directors for the Regional Transportation District has given a preliminary green light to accelerate planning work on the B Line extension from Denver to Boulder and Longmont.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Supporting Cycling Takes More Than Just Bike Lanes
Safe, protected bike lanes are a key part of a city’s bike infrastructure — but secure parking, e-bike charging, and other amenities can also influence people’s shift to cycling.
Judge Blocks Anti-DEI Rules for Transportation, Housing Grants
A second injunction blocks the Trump administration from enforcing new regulations for federal funding.
Unhoused People in San Jose Could Face Arrest if They Refuse Shelter
A policy proposed by the city’s mayor would give law enforcement the option to arrest homeless residents if they refuse three offers of housing.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)