A Line (RTD)

{{Short description|Commuter rail line in the Denver metropolitan area}}

{{Short description|Commuter rail line in the Denver metropolitan area}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2025}}

{{Infobox rail line

{{Infobox rail line

| name = A Line

| name = A Line

}}

}}

The '''A Line''' (formerly the '''University of Colorado A Line''' for [[Naming rights|sponsorship]] reasons)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harden |first=Mark |date=August 19, 2015 |title=The A line goes to college: CU paid $5 million for RTD airport-rail naming rights |work=[[Denver Business Journal]] |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/broadway_17th/2015/08/cu-pays-5-million-for-rtd-airportrail-naming.html |access-date=February 29, 2016}}</ref> is a [[Regional Transportation District]] (RTD) [[commuter rail]] line serving [[Denver]] and [[Aurora, Colorado|Aurora]], [[Colorado]], operating between [[downtown Denver]] and [[Denver International Airport]] (DIA).<ref name="erl">{{Cite web |title=RTD - East Rail Line |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/EastRailLine.shtml |access-date=April 29, 2015 |publisher=Regional Transportation District}}</ref> During planning and construction, it was also known as the '''East Rail Line''', but most locals refer to it as the A Line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stories Along the Line: East Rail to roll on historical ground |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/main_404 |access-date=May 3, 2017 |website=www.rtd-fastracks.com}}</ref> Despite its former title, the line does not serve the campuses of the [[University of Colorado Denver|University of Colorado]].

The '''A Line''' (formerly the '''University of Colorado A Line''' for [[Naming rights|sponsorship]] reasons)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Harden |first=Mark |date=August 19, 2015 |title=The A line goes to college: CU paid $5 million for RTD airport-rail naming rights |work=[[Denver Business Journal]] |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/broadway_17th/2015/08/cu-pays-5-million-for-rtd-airportrail-naming.html |access-date=February 29, 2016}}</ref> is a [[Regional Transportation District]] (RTD) [[commuter rail]] line serving [[Denver]] and [[Aurora, Colorado|Aurora]], Colorado, operating between [[downtown Denver]] and [[Denver International Airport]] (DIA).<ref name="erl">{{Cite web |title=RTD – East Rail Line |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/EastRailLine.shtml |access-date=April 29, 2015 |publisher=Regional Transportation District}}</ref> During planning and construction, it was also known as the '''East Rail Line''', but most locals refer to it as the A Line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stories Along the Line: East Rail to roll on historical ground |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/main_404 |access-date=May 3, 2017 |website=www.rtd-fastracks.com}}</ref> Despite its former title, the line does not serve the campuses of the [[University of Colorado Denver|University of Colorado]].

==History==

==History==

[[Mass transit]] has been under consideration for the corridor between Downtown Denver and Denver International Airport since the latter was proposed in the 1980s. The project gathered momentum in 1997 when a [[Major Investment Study]] was completed for the corridor, encouraging fixed-guideway mass transit ([[light rail]] or [[commuter rail]]), highway widening and general improvements. The project was approved as part of the [[FasTracks]] transit expansion package in November [[2004]], went through regulatory processes and was approved by the [[Federal Transit Administration]] in November [[2009]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fastracks - East Corridor |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/ec_1 |access-date=April 29, 2010 |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107215854/http://rtd-fastracks.com/ec_1 }}</ref> In July 2007, it was decided to use [[electric multiple unit|electric]] instead of [[diesel multiple unit|diesel]] propulsion over speed and air pollution concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electric Multiple Unit |url=http://www.eastcorridor.com/meetingminutes/CorMtng11-8_9-06/CorMtng_11-8_9-06_RecomTechnology.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120122356/http://www.eastcorridor.com/meetingminutes/CorMtng11-8_9-06/CorMtng_11-8_9-06_RecomTechnology.pdf |archive-date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |publisher=East Corridor Environmental Impact Statement}}</ref>

[[Mass transit]] has been under consideration for the corridor between Downtown Denver and Denver International Airport since the latter was proposed in the 1980s. The project gathered momentum in 1997 when a [[Major Investment Study]] was completed for the corridor, encouraging fixed-guideway mass transit ([[light rail]] or [[commuter rail]]), highway widening and general improvements. The project was approved as part of the [[FasTracks]] transit expansion package in November 2004, went through regulatory processes and was approved by the [[Federal Transit Administration]] in November 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fastracks – East Corridor |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/ec_1 |access-date=April 29, 2010 |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107215854/http://rtd-fastracks.com/ec_1 }}</ref> In July 2007, it was decided to use [[electric multiple unit|electric]] instead of [[diesel multiple unit|diesel]] propulsion over speed and air pollution concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Electric Multiple Unit |url=http://www.eastcorridor.com/meetingminutes/CorMtng11-8_9-06/CorMtng_11-8_9-06_RecomTechnology.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120122356/http://www.eastcorridor.com/meetingminutes/CorMtng11-8_9-06/CorMtng_11-8_9-06_RecomTechnology.pdf |archive-date=November 20, 2008 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |publisher=East Corridor Environmental Impact Statement}}</ref>

RTD designated the line with the letter "A", denoting service to the '''a'''irport and '''A'''urora. Groundbreaking for the A Line was held on August 26, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=East Corridor Groundbreaking! |url=http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/07/east-corridor-groundbreaking.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002012238/http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/07/east-corridor-groundbreaking.html |archive-date=October 2, 2011 |access-date=July 26, 2010 |publisher=Denver Infill Blog}}</ref> As the second line of RTD's [[FasTracks]] expansion plan, the East Corridor was constructed and operated under the [[Eagle P3]] [[public–private partnership]].<ref name="rt">{{Cite web |title=Eagle P3 Commuter Rail Project, Denver, USA |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/eaglepcommuterrailpr/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903160147/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/eaglepcommuterrailpr/ |archive-date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2011 |publisher=Railway Technology}}</ref> The first [[electric multiple unit]] railcars were pulled along the route on April 3, 2015, commencing testing and commissioning of the line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver's new EMUs take "maiden voyage" |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/denvers-new-emus-take-maiden-voyage.html?channel=55 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |publisher=Railway Age}}</ref>

RTD designated the line with the letter "A", denoting service to the '''a'''irport and '''A'''urora. Groundbreaking for the A Line was held on August 26, 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=East Corridor Groundbreaking! |url=http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/07/east-corridor-groundbreaking.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002012238/http://denverinfill.com/blog/2010/07/east-corridor-groundbreaking.html |archive-date=October 2, 2011 |access-date=July 26, 2010 |publisher=Denver Infill Blog}}</ref> As the second line of RTD's [[FasTracks]] expansion plan, the East Corridor was constructed and operated under the [[Eagle P3]] [[public–private partnership]].<ref name="rt">{{Cite web |title=Eagle P3 Commuter Rail Project, Denver, USA |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/eaglepcommuterrailpr/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903160147/http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/eaglepcommuterrailpr/ |archive-date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2011 |publisher=Railway Technology}}</ref> The first [[electric multiple unit]] railcars were pulled along the route on April 3, 2015, commencing testing and commissioning of the line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denver's new EMUs take "maiden voyage" |url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/denvers-new-emus-take-maiden-voyage.html?channel=55 |access-date=April 7, 2015 |publisher=Railway Age}}</ref>

The A Line route follows and remains within a mile of [[Interstate 25 in Colorado|Interstate 25]], [[Interstate 70 in Colorado|Interstate 70]], and the airport access highway ([[Peña Boulevard]]). The line makes use of a preexisting [[Union Pacific Railroad]] [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] along the portion of the route from downtown Denver heading east, then deviates to the north along Peña Boulevard in a newly created right-of-way. Peña Boulevard was designed with an extra-wide median between its inbound and outbound lanes that could have been used for rail transit, though ultimately the East Rail Corridor alignment was offset from the highway right-of-way.

The A Line route follows and remains within a mile of [[Interstate 25 in Colorado|Interstate 25]], [[Interstate 70 in Colorado|Interstate 70]], and the airport access highway ([[Peña Boulevard]]). The line makes use of a preexisting [[Union Pacific Railroad]] [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]] along the portion of the route from downtown Denver heading east, then deviates to the north along Peña Boulevard in a newly created right-of-way. Peña Boulevard was designed with an extra-wide median between its inbound and outbound lanes that could have been used for rail transit, though ultimately the East Rail Corridor alignment was offset from the highway right-of-way.

Leaving [[Denver Union Station|Union Station]] the line follows the Union Pacific corridor past [[Coors Field]] to reach a station at 38th and Blake Streets shared with the future [[L Line (RTD)|Central Corridor]] expansion. From there the line turns east alongside 40th Avenue past the Denver Union Pacific Intermodal Yard. Just east of Josephine Street the corridor turns two blocks north then east again to stay along the Union Pacific corridor to reach the 40th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard station. After passing under Colorado Boulevard the line parallels Smith Road, with a station at Central Park Boulevard in the redevelopment area of the decommissioned [[Stapleton International Airport]]. Shortly after entering Aurora, the line reaches [[Peoria station|Peoria Station]], which is shared with the [[R Line (RTD)|R Line]]. Continuing east, alongside Smith Road, the line passes under Peoria Street and then [[Interstate 225]]. Just west of Airport Boulevard, the line rises on a viaduct curving north over the Union Pacific tracks, Airport Boulevard, 32nd Avenue, and [[Interstate 70 in Colorado|Interstate 70]]. Having left the Union Pacific corridor, the viaduct then descends to a station at the existing [[Park and Ride]] at 40th Avenue and Airport Boulevard. From there the line reenters Denver, following the east side of [[Peña Boulevard]]. North of 56th Avenue it enters an added to the line construction<ref>{{Cite web |title=New train station part of East Rail |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/ec_69 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |website=rtd-fastracks.com |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822205846/http://rtd-fastracks.com/ec_69 }}</ref> Peña Boulevard<ref name="aline">{{Cite web |title=RTD - A Line |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/a-line.shtml |access-date=June 21, 2015 |website=RTD - A Line |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003121358/http://rtd-denver.com/a-line.shtml }}</ref> station at 61st Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hodes |first=David |title=Colorado Experiences Phenomenal Success (with Photo) |url=http://bxjmag.com/colorado-experiences-phenomenal-success/ |access-date=June 15, 2015 |website=Business Xpansion Journal}}</ref><ref>[http://rtd.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=30&ID=7358 "Eagle P3 Project update"], ''Fast Tracks Monitor Committee'', May 13, 2014</ref> The line continues north and east, parallel to Peña Boulevard and crossing over [[E-470]]. Turning north, the line crosses over Peña Boulevard adjacent to DIA runway 7/25 and then runs east between the airport secure area and 78th Avenue. The line then crosses over the south/west terminal exit lanes of Peña Boulevard ending at a station on the south side of the [[Denver International Airport#Hotel and Transit Center|DIA Hotel and Transit Center]], itself at the south end of the [[Denver International Airport#Jeppesen Terminal|DIA Jeppesen Terminal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotel and Transit Center |url=http://www.flydenver.com/hotel_transit_center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702212156/http://www.flydenver.com/hotel_transit_center |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |publisher=FlyDenver.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Appendix A Preferred Alternate Maps |url=http://eastcorridor.com/FEIS/EastCorridorFEIS_Vol1_AppendixA_PreferredAltMaps.pdf |access-date=April 29, 2010 |publisher=East Corridor Environmental Impact Statement}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

Leaving [[Denver Union Station|Union Station]] the line follows the Union Pacific corridor past [[Coors Field]] to reach a station at 38th and Blake Streets shared with the future [[L Line (RTD)|Central Corridor]] expansion. From there the line turns east alongside 40th Avenue past the Denver Union Pacific Intermodal Yard. Just east of Josephine Street the corridor turns two blocks north then east again to stay along the Union Pacific corridor to reach the 40th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard station. After passing under Colorado Boulevard the line parallels Smith Road, with a station at Central Park Boulevard in the redevelopment area of the decommissioned [[Stapleton International Airport]]. Shortly after entering Aurora, the line reaches [[Peoria station]], which is shared with the [[R Line (RTD)|R Line]]. Continuing east, alongside Smith Road, the line passes under Peoria Street and then [[Interstate 225]]. Just west of Airport Boulevard, the line rises on a viaduct curving north over the Union Pacific tracks, Airport Boulevard, 32nd Avenue, and [[Interstate 70 in Colorado|Interstate 70]]. Having left the Union Pacific corridor, the viaduct then descends to a station at the existing [[Park and Ride]] at 40th Avenue and Airport Boulevard. From there the line reenters Denver, following the east side of [[Peña Boulevard]]. North of 56th Avenue it enters an added to the line construction<ref>{{Cite web |title=New train station part of East Rail |url=http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/ec_69 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |website=rtd-fastracks.com |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822205846/http://rtd-fastracks.com/ec_69 }}</ref> Peña Boulevard<ref name="aline">{{Cite web |title=RTD – A Line |url=http://www.rtd-denver.com/a-line.shtml |access-date=June 21, 2015 |website=RTD – A Line |publisher=Regional Transportation District |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003121358/http://rtd-denver.com/a-line.shtml }}</ref> station at 61st Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hodes |first=David |title=Colorado Experiences Phenomenal Success (with Photo) |url=http://bxjmag.com/colorado-experiences-phenomenal-success/ |access-date=June 15, 2015 |website=Business Xpansion Journal}}</ref><ref>[http://rtd.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=30&ID=7358 "Eagle P3 Project update"], ''Fast Tracks Monitor Committee'', May 13, 2014</ref> The line continues north and east, parallel to Peña Boulevard and crossing over [[E-470]]. Turning north, the line crosses over Peña Boulevard adjacent to DIA runway 7/25 and then runs east between the airport secure area and 78th Avenue. The line then crosses over the south/west terminal exit lanes of Peña Boulevard ending at a station on the south side of the [[Denver International Airport#Hotel and Transit Center|DIA Hotel and Transit Center]], itself at the south end of the [[Denver International Airport#Jeppesen Terminal|DIA Jeppesen Terminal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hotel and Transit Center |url=http://www.flydenver.com/hotel_transit_center |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702212156/http://www.flydenver.com/hotel_transit_center |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |publisher=FlyDenver.com }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Appendix A Preferred Alternate Maps |url=http://eastcorridor.com/FEIS/EastCorridorFEIS_Vol1_AppendixA_PreferredAltMaps.pdf |access-date=April 29, 2010 |publisher=East Corridor Environmental Impact Statement}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>

==Stations==

==Stations==