Photo of an RTD train | RTD/Facebook
Photo of an RTD train | RTD/Facebook
The City of Aurora recently announced that the Regional Transportation District (RTD) R Line would begin operating again after a two-month shutdown.
"RTD will restore full service on the R Line starting at approximately 4 a.m. tomorrow. R Line service was impacted by a derailment that occurred on Sept. 21. Additional details about the resuming of service and new safety measures are available," according to a Nov. 28 tweet.
According to RTD, there were several changes that had to happen for the R Line to begin operating again. The stretch of four miles between Aurora Metro Center and the 13th Avenue Station has seen several changes: A redesign of the intersection at Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue, removal of a damaged support pole and adjustment of the overhead electrical system that provides power to the light rail vehicles.
Pursuant to the agency’s corrective action plan, which was submitted to and approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Nov. 16, the following safety improvements have been completed: All work related to the train-traffic interface at the intersection of Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue, meaning that light rail trains must stop prior to proceeding through the intersection. The speed on approach to the curve at Sable Boulevard and Exposition Avenue has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph, with the appropriate signage placed on the right-of-way. The relocation of a radar sign of approximately 100 feet farther north to allow more advance warning and increased visibility.
Colorado Public Radio reported that driver speed was to blame for the Sept. 21 derailment. In documents released last week, RTD blamed the train operator for speeding and the subsequent derailment on Sept. 21. The train was traveling at 38.8 mph just before reaching a 10 mph curve, RTD said.
“Inattention by the operator and failure to operate the train in accordance with established rules by allowing the train to exceed the maximum posted track speed,” the agency said.
The Sept. 21 derailment occurred on RTD’s R Line around 4 p.m. Aurora Fire Rescue said three people were taken to the hospital, but that their injuries were non-life threatening, according to Rocky Mountain PBS.
Alerts Sign-up