Colorado Mountain Rail | Preliminary Design & Planning
About the Project
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is exploring a new initiative to enhance transportation options in the central Rocky Mountains. The plan involves developing a network of passenger rail lines that connect the mountain towns and regions with urban centers and recreational locations. This project aims to use existing rail infrastructure to meet the growing demand for passenger rail service.
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Project Area
The Mountain Rail route will use the existing rail line that extends from Denver to Craig. The specific station locations along the new route are still under consideration. CDOT is currently evaluating multiple factors to identify the most suitable sites for these stations. As a part of this ongoing study, community feedback is crucial in shaping the final decisions. This input will be integrated with engineering requirements and design constraints to ensure the selected station locations meet both practical and community needs.
Schedule & Important Dates
Public Open House Events
- Sept. 10, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Center of Craig
601 Yampa Ave.
Craig, CO 81625 - Sept. 11, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: East Grand Middle School
251 W. Diamond Ave.
Granby, CO 80446 - Sept. 12, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Oberon Middle School
7300 Quail St.
Arvada, CO 80005
Launched in 2023, the Mountain Rail Program is a part of CDOT’s Division of Transit and Rail’s Passenger Rail Branch. This small but dedicated team is focused on bringing passenger rail service to both the Front Range and the mountain regions of Colorado. The program was established in response to requests from state legislators and communities like Steamboat Springs and Winter Park. A shift in the rail industry, with declining coal traffic, has opened opportunities to repurpose rail corridors for passenger use.
In October 2023, the Colorado Transportation Commission approved initial funding to develop a service plan for this vision.
Given the popularity of travel in the mountains and challenging geographical conditions, it is critical to provide reliable transportation alternatives to create better connectivity to mountain towns, recreational opportunities, and transitional communities. The Mountain Rail project would provide alternative transportation options for visitors who want to experience mountain towns but who do not want to drive. Additionally, it would promote economic development, as housing, hotels, and retail establishments become attracted to areas served by rail.
