Colorado has received a federal infusion of $66.4 million in transportation funds to increase the safety of freight trains and allow expansion along rail corridors north of Denver, creating passenger rail opportunities that leaders are exploring to help city residents move more efficiently traveling without cars.
A $28 million state contribution brings the total to more than $94 million for work designed to provide essential preparation for the long-term expansion of the rail system. This means state authorities can begin building rail passing tracks, among other improvements, so freight and passenger trains can initially share existing tracks running north from Denver to Fort Collins.
“This does more than just safety. It increases capacity,” said Jack Wheeler, president of the Colorado Rail Passenger Association.
“It is ideal for a shared corridor where freight and passenger trains use the same priority. We will use the current tracks for the first phase of a passenger operation from Fort Collins to Pueblo.”
Gov. Jared Polis announced the funding Tuesday morning in Westminster, flanked by Sen. Michael Bennet, U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen. Colorado Department of Transportation director Shoshana Lew and other leaders. They applauded the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding – to increase control of trains and improve rail connectivity – as a milestone toward a multi-agency effort to restore Front Range passenger service using of the Burlington North Santa Fe line north of Denver.
The Federal Rail Administration has gotten Colorado involved Passenger railway line in front as a transit corridor priority, supporting the state’s efforts. Colorado has secured a total of more than $400 million in competitive grants under the nation’s bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Less likely derailments. Very important,” said Polis, who advocates for passenger rail connecting Front Range cities.
“This helps accelerate the timeline,” Polis said. “We’re going to do it as quickly as possible.”
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.