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 $6.9 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 eight 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 Colorado Science and Technology Park at Fitzsimons, to a future station at Peoria Street and Smith Road.
Q: What happens next?
A: In the fall of 2007, the project team began an environmental planning process, consisting of an Environmental Evaluation to assess the route, station locations and other impacts. The final EE will be presented to the RTD Board of Directors in October 2009 for approval. Pending approval, the project team will move into final design in early 2010 for the section of the corridor between Nine Mile Station and the proposed Iliff Station.
Q: Why do we need an environmental study process?
A: The purpose of the Environmental Evaluation is to evaluate alternative alignments and station locations while identifying potential impacts. The process also allows for recommendations as to how to minimize and mitigate any potential impacts throughout the corridor and 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.
Q: Now that the Environmental Evaluation is complete, how can the public participate?
A: Between Fall 2007 and Fall 2009, four Public Meetings were held with over 450 attendees in addition to over 60 small group and stakeholder meetings. Appendix C of the final EE provides responses to all public and agency comments on the draft EE.
Consistent with the FasTracks Stakeholder Participation Policy, after the adoption of the final EE, the project will transition into the final design phase. During the final design phase input becomes more focused and is generally limited to aesthetic design elements. RTD will work closely with the community to incorporate input on aesthetics and design into the final design process.
Following final design as the project enters construction; communication to the stakeholders from the project team will be more focused on construction and schedule impacts to the community. To read the full Stakeholder Participation Policy
click here.
Online: www.rtd-fastracks.com
Email: I-225@rtd-fastracks.com
Phone: (303) 299-2000 (follow the prompts)
Contact: Tina Jaquez: 303-299-6902
