N Line (RTD)
| Company type | Public transit service |
|---|---|
| Industry | Commuter rail |
| Founded | September 21, 2020 |
| Headquarters | Denver , United States |
Area served | Denver metropolitan area, Colorado |
| Products | Commuter rail service |
| Owner | Regional Transportation District (RTD) |
| Website | www |
N Line
The N Line, originally referred to as the North Metro Rail Line during its development phase, is a commuter rail service operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) that serves the Denver metropolitan area in Colorado. The initial 13-mile stretch, extending from downtown Denver to 124th Avenue in Thornton, commenced operations on September 21, 2020, as part of RTD's FasTracks initiative. Once fully completed, the line will span 18.5 miles, linking Denver with Commerce City, Northglenn, and Thornton.
A significant feature of the N Line is the Skyway Bridge, which at 9,533 feet holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Colorado, facilitating improved regional transit connections. Unlike other RTD commuter rail lines that are operated by Denver Transit Partners, the N Line is uniquely overseen directly by RTD itself, indicating a deliberate operational strategy.
History
The concept of establishing a rail connection in North Denver dates back to the inauguration of the Light Rail Central Corridor in 1994. In 2004, voters endorsed the North Metro Corridor as part of the broader RTD FasTracks program. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process started in 2006 and was finalized by late 2010, receiving approval from the Federal Transit Administration in April 2011. Additionally, a railroad right-of-way was acquired in 2009.
In November 2013, construction contracts for extending the North Metro Rail line to 124th Avenue were awarded to a joint venture comprising Graham, Balfour Beatty, and Hamon Constructors (GBBH), with a formal notice to proceed issued in December that year. This agreement also included an option to extend the route further to 162nd Avenue pending future funding availability.
Groundbreaking for construction took place on March 20, 2014, with an original completion goal set for 2018. The GBBH consortium operates under the name Regional Rail Partners (RRP). By August 2018, about 85% of construction was finished; however, projected completion dates shifted to late 2020 or early 2021. Further delays affected the start of revenue service as of September 2019. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the line officially began service on September 21, 2020.
Route
The N Line begins at its southern terminus at Union Station in Denver. It predominantly follows an existing railroad corridor up to its northern endpoint at Eastlake/124th station. A notable structural element along this route is the RTD-designated "Skyway Bridge," which spans multiple obstacles including tracks belonging to the BNSF Railway, Brighton Boulevard, a spur line of the Union Pacific Railroad, a ditch owned by the Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company, the Metro Waste Water Plant, the Suncor oil facility, Sand Creek, and Interstate 270.
Departing from Union Station, the line passes close to Coors Field, crosses over rail yards and traverses the South Platte River twice before arriving at the 48th & Brighton/National Western Center station adjacent to the National Western Stock Show. It continues past Riverside Cemetery before ascending onto the Skyway Bridge and returning to ground level near Commerce City/72nd station. The route then passes beneath both Interstate 76 and Colorado State Highway 224, crosses the South Platte River once more, and heads northwest toward Original Thornton/88th station. From there, it curves northeast reaching Thornton Crossroads/104th station, proceeds northwest to Northglenn/112th station, and finally turns northward toward Eastlake/124th station near a historic grain elevator and within proximity to Eastlake, Colorado.
Stations
| Station | Municipality | Opened | Key connections & remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Rtds | Denver | April 22, 2016 | Template:Rint Template:RintTemplate:RintTemplate:RintTemplate:RintTemplate:Rint Template:Rint Amtrak: Template:Lnl Template:Rint MallRide Template:Rint Flatiron Flyer |
| Template:Rtds | September 21, 2020 | ||
| Template:Rtds | Commerce City | Park-and-ride capacity: 330 spaces | |
| Template:Rtds | Thornton | Park-and-ride capacity: 550 spaces | |
| Template:Rtds | Park-and-ride capacity: 880 spaces | ||
| Template:Rtds | Northglenn | Park-and-ride capacity: 310 spaces | |
| Template:Rtds | Thornton | Park-and-ride capacity: 410 spaces | |
| York/144th | 2042 | Planned | |
| North Thornton/Hwy 7 | 2042 | Planned |
FasTracks
Approved by Colorado voters in 2004, FasTracks represents a comprehensive public transit expansion initiative with a multibillion-dollar budget. In 2009, RTD allocated $117 million (adjusted for inflation) to secure the right-of-way from Union Pacific for the North Metro rail corridor. Although budgetary challenges caused delays to FasTracks projects, including the N Line, development resumed through a public-private partnership. The initial segment reaching 124th Avenue Station became operational in 2020, while the subsequent extension to North Thornton/Hwy 7 station is slated to commence once ridership forecasts support the expenditure.