FAQs

Q. Where is the West Corridor anyway?
A. The West Corridor light rail line will travel from Denver Union Station in downtown Denver by the Auraria campus to the Jefferson County Government Center. The alignment will follow 13th Avenue through the Two Creeks and Eiber neighborhoods and then turn south through the Lakewood Industrial Park (just west of Oak Street) where it crosses 6th Avenue into the Federal Center. After leaving the Federal Center, the tracks are along the south side of 6th Avenue to just east of Indiana where the tracks cross to the north side of 6th Avenue and continue to the Jeffco Government Center. Click to see a video that shows station locations and alignment.

Q. How loud will the LRT be and will there be vibration from the trains?
A. The study team has identified all sources of noise and vibration, any facilities or homes that might be impacted, and mitigation measures. In general, at speeds that light rail is anticipated to operate in the parks and adjacent to residences, it has been proven to be so quiet that trains must be equipped with systems of bells and horns as a safety precaution.

Q. How much parking will there be?
A. Over 4,300 parking spaces are planned along the corridor. Parking is planned at the Federal/Decatur, Sheridan, Wadsworth, Oak, Federal Center and Jeffco Government Center stations.

Q. How many properties will you to acquire and how will you deal with it?
A. Final determination of specific property acquisitions will take place in late 2007 through 2008. Some of these property acquisitions will be the entire parcel and other will be a portion of the property, in many cases - just a few feet. RTD will not purchase property until it is needed. Aquisition of property will take place between 2007 and 2011. For this project, like any other that is eligible for federal funds, the acquisition of property and relocation of people and businesses are conducted under federal rules that protect all parties. These rules, entitled "Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisitions Policies Act of 1970," assure that people are treated fairly and equitably. The rules require relocation planning, relocation assistance advisory services, and timely notification of relocation benefits as well as uniform provision of relocation benefits to persons or businesses being displaced.
Property Acquisition Fact Sheet
Property Acquisition Brochure
Relocation Brochure
Uniform Act

Q. How will RTD mitigate traffic congestion around stations with park-n-Rides?
A. The technical team is looking very closely at the most efficient flow of traffic in and out of all park-n-Rides. Traffic efficiencies will be achieved through access modifications, signal improvements and alternative routes into and out of park-n-Rides that will minimize traffic congestion. Transportation improvements on the West Corridor are meant to improve traffic congestion beyond what the traffic would be otherwise.

Q. What streets will be closed along the line?
A. There are seven street closures due to the West Corridor light rail. They are Marshall, Otis, Vance, Allison, Brentwood, Holland and Nelson Streets. Any streets that are currently closed across 13th Avenue will remain closed. 13th Avenue will still be open, you will just have to turn right or left when arriving at any of the closed streets

Q. What will the stations look like?
Click to see the designs for the stations from the 65% plans. They have changed slightly due to budget constraints. To see some of the changes since these drawings click here.

Q. How safe is Light Rail?
A. Research indicates that LRT is safer than automobile traffic. In many parts of the country, including downtown Denver, light rail lines run along city streets with a limited number of incidents. Still, RTD continually evaluates ways to make LRT even safer. Safety is one of RTD's priorities for all its corridors.

Q. How much right-of-way is needed to build light rail along the West Corridor alignment?
A. While this number can vary depending on exact locations along the alignment, in general, light rail needs a minimum of 32 feet to run a double track system, excluding stations and park-n-Rides.

Q. How will light rail affect my property's value?
A. Property values may decrease during construction. In other markets where LRT was implemented, property values of homes and businesses within a half-mile of a station increased in value once the line is open. In Portland, Oregon residential and commercial property values continue to rise around light rail stations. To see more information on property values across the country, click here and scroll down to property value info.

Q. When will construction on the light rail begin?
A. Early construction has already started. To see updates on construction activities, click here. The "Conduct of Construction" document that itemizes what will happen and when. To see a video on rail construction, click here. Construction will be completed in late 2012 and the line will open in early 2013.