The Colorado Department of Transportation is leading the charge toward enhanced rail connectivity in the mountains and more sustainable statewide transit through services such as Bustang. Central to this effort is CDOT’s call to train equipment manufacturers in December 2023, signaling a bold step toward realizing the vision of a mountain rail line.
A $5 million investment has been allocated to study the feasibility of reinstating passenger rail service from Denver through Steamboat Springs, culminating in Craig. This ambitious project aims to rejuvenate the 191-mile Union Pacific Railroad route that once linked these communities, discontinued in 1968.
The plan has support from a wide coalition that includes lawmakers, members of Congress, cities and towns along the route as well as many businesses due to it being a “just transition” – meaning that communities move from high carbon-producing industries to more sustainable practices. It also takes into account the economic and environmental concerns of the affected communities.
“Convenient passenger rail would be amazing,” said Governor Jared Polis. “A just transition for communities moving away from coal production, cutting traffic, and reducing pollution – which are some of my administration’s top priorities.”
The call for information from train manufacturers underscores CDOT’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. By soliciting input on available rolling stock options – train cars and locomotives – CDOT seeks to ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental compatibility for the proposed mountain rail line.
As Colorado embraces the future of transportation, the call to train manufacturers marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward realizing a vision that harmonizes with the state’s natural beauty and meets the evolving needs of its communities.
Independently, CDOT is working with the Front Range Passenger Rail District on planning for Front Range Passenger Rail, which would provide complementary service from Pueblo, through Denver, to Fort Collins and ultimately to Wyoming and New Mexico. The I-70 Coalition serves on the advisory board of the Front Range Passenger Rail District as it is critical that a Front Range rail system connects and is interoperable with a future I-70 transit system.
For more information on CDOT’s rail plans, visit https://www.codot.gov/programs/yourtransportationpriorities/other-cdot-plans/rail.