East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit Project Debuts in Denver

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit Project in Denver, funded by various sources including a $150 million grant, aims to enhance public transportation along the corridor. Construction of the 10-mile BRT line began in 2024, with completion expected in 2027. The project will provide faster, more reliable bus service, reduce travel time by up to 30 minutes, and improve the overall pedestrian experience with enhanced infrastructure.

Wed October 30, 2024 - West Edition #22
Regional Transportation District

Photo courtesy of the Regional Transportation District

Federal officials present a $150 million check for the East Colfax Avenue BRT.

A rendering of a bus station and the roadway for the East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit service line. (Photo courtesy of the Regional Transportation District)

The East Colfax Avenue BRT project’s planned station stops. (Photo courtesy of the Regional Transportation District)

City, state and federal representatives kicked off construction on Oct. 4, 2024, of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service line for East Colfax Avenue in Denver, Colo., that will transform how people move along the corridor.

The goal is to make travel by bus faster and more reliable and provide an attractive alternative to driving that's safer, and better for the environment, according to the Regional Transportation District, which provides public transportation in eight counties.

At the event at City Park Esplanade, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $150 million toward the implementation of the bus rapid transit system — the maximum allocation allowed in its Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grant program.

The city and county of Denver are partnering with contractor Kraemer N.A. to build the 10-mi. BRT. Work crews began mobilizing the week of Oct. 7, starting at Broadway and East Colfax Avenue. Completion is expected in 2027.

Construction of East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit is estimated at $280 million. Aside from the U.S. Department of Transportation committing $150M million toward the improvement project, other funding sources include $88 million from Denver —- $55 million from the Elevate Denver Bond, $28.4 million from the Denver Regional Council of Governments and $14 million from the city of Aurora.

Federal representatives spoke about the importance of transit infrastructure and investing in the region's efforts to improve and enhance the public transportation system.

"FTA is happy to ‘Back the Fax' by supporting Lynx bus rapid transit, which will transform how people move on the busiest bus corridor in the region," FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said.

"Investing in our public infrastructure means investing in our community, and the East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Project will improve the quality of life for our region, create jobs and increase access to vital transportation options," U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette said.

The implementation of bus rapid transit on East Colfax Avenue from Civic Center Station to Interstate 225 in Aurora will offer dedicated, center running transit lanes from Broadway to Yosemite Street, more efficient travel through signalized intersections and faster boarding operations, reducing transit travel time along the full stretch by up to 30 minutes.

In addition to improving travel times, the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit system will feature an enhanced pedestrian experience with more trees and lighting and improved sidewalk and transit stops.