RTD turns on rail power between downtown and airport

The Regional Transportation District is turning on the power lines along the East Rail Line between Union Station and Denver International Airport in anticipation of a year-long testing program starting this spring.

RTD is powering up the lines in sections as part of the electrification testing process.

"These wires hold 25,000 volts of electricity and can be extremely dangerous, even  fatal, if anyone comes close to them," says Brian Middleton, project director of the FasTracks East Rail Line. "We ask everyone to please stay away from the tracks and the wires, and never try to touch or throw anything at them."

Trains will begin to run under their own power this spring, si it is important to remember these other safety tips:

• Never trespass on any train track.
• Cross the tracks only at designated crossings, always follow safety signs and obey warning devices such as flashing red lights and gate arms.
• Stay alert and look both ways for a train -- you may not hear them coming.
• Never trespass onto construction sites, and stay off the train station platforms until they are open to the public.

FasTracks is RTD's voter-approved transit expansion program to build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to better connect the eight-county region.

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.