Denver Union Station Renovation

[MrFSS]

The Denver Union Station renovation — expected to begin later this year — could take a bite out of operations of the Winter Park Ski Train and Amtrak.

The development of Union Station as a multi-modal transportation center under current plans could squeeze valuable overnight and departure-day platform space used by the Ski Train and Amtrak.

Full story is HERE.

 

[Bane]

In October, Amtrak sent a letter to Colorado U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, and a copy to RTD, outlining its concerns about plans for the station. Amtrak said it wanted to be on track No. 1, where it is today and the closest track to the station, but was willing to move to another track if RTD provided ele-vators, escalators and “golf carts” to move Amtrak’s passengers and their luggage.

They make it sound like they have 10 tracks when it only has 3, and only 2 are used. Not to mention Amtrak also leaves a coach there for the Zephyrs between DEN-CHI and there is a spare locomotive on a siding at the station. I hope RTD doesn't use all the space because there will regular rail travel coming out of that place again!

 

[George Harris]

Go to the horse's mouth for information. It is here: http://www.denverunionstation.com/

This gets you to information on what is planned. Scroll down until you see: "View the ROD 1 MB" then click on it.

In it, along with a lot of other stuff you will find:

"Passenger Rail – RTD will construct eight at-grade passenger rail tracks for Amtrak, Ski Train and RTD’s East, North Metro, Northwest, and Gold Line Corridors. Discussions with Amtrak, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Public Utilities Commission regarding design and operation details for passenger rail, as well as construction staging are currently ongoing. Amtrak will operate on track four (4) which will be extended in length to approximately 1600 feet. A double track for storage of Amtrak cars and locomotives will be provided immediately north of the track throat, extending approximately 1000 feet under the Park Avenue West viaduct."