Printable VersionFAQ's
I-225 Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: What is the FasTracks Program?
A: The Regional Transportation District's (RTD) voter-approved FasTracks program passed in 2004 and includes a $6.1 billion initiative to expand rail and bus service across the RTD region.
Q: How will FasTracks serve Aurora?
A: Based on two previous studies (a 2001 Major Investment Study and 2005 3 Corridor Scoping Study), the I-225 Corridor includes a 10.5-mile light rail extension with seven stations, and a preferred alternative for construction of light rail.
Q: What is the proposed route?
A: The I-225 Corridor will start from the existing Nine Mile Station at Parker Road through the Aurora City Center and the Anschutz Medical Campus and Fitzsimons Life Sciences District, to a future station at Peoria Street and Smith Road.
Q: What happens next?
A: In the fall of 2007, an environmental planning process, consisting of an environmental evaluation and environmental assessment, will assess the route, station locations and other impacts.
Q: Why do we need an environmental study process?
A: The Environmental Evaluation (EE) will study alternative alignments and station locations, identify potential impacts and recommend ways to minimize and mitigate those impacts throughout the corridor and at related stations. An additional federal environmental document is required for the portion of light rail that will be built within the I-225 right-of-way. RTD is partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine the appropriate type of environmental document. This environmental document will not include the evaluation of tolling or improvements to the Colfax Interchange.
Q: What will the I-225 Corridor environmental study accomplish?
A: The I-225 Corridor environmental study will identify the best way to provide high-quality, reliable, high-capacity, fixed guide way transit service that improves travel times in the corridor while enhancing access to metro-area jobs, entertainment, recreation and shopping for existing and future residents. The study also will select a recommended alternative, identify potential impacts and recommend ways of lessening those impacts.
Q: What has been decided?
A: No decisions have been made at this time. Please check back for updates and opportunities to get involved.
Q: What is the schedule and when can the public participate?
A: RTD will conduct extensive community outreach throughout the project. At each key decision-point of the project, public workshops will be held to ensure that the recommendations in the enviromental process are reflective of what is best for the I-225 Corridor communities.
Q: Are public meetings the only time the public can submit input?
A: No. Although the public meetings provide great opportunities to interact with the project team and become better informed about the enviromental process. Public input also can be submitted in writing to RTD-FasTracks, 1560 Broadway #700, Denver, CO 80202, or via the project Web site.
Other Fact Sheet Information
For more information Regarding I-225
Online: www.rtd-fastracks.com
Email: I-225@rtd-fastracks.com
Phone: (303) 299-2000 (follow the prompts)
Contacts:
Nanci Regnier: 303-400-6175;
Tina P Jaquez: 303-299-6902
