[CPN] RTD FasTracks News: Inside FasTracks - January 2013

January 28, 2013 Welcome to Inside RTD FasTracks--a monthly e-update to keep you informed about the progress of the Regional Transportation District's FasTracks program, events and news. Latest News Plan to Refinance Debt Could Accelerate Construction of North Metro Rail Line RTD staff has determined another item for the FasTracks Internal Savings Account that would allow the agency to take advantage of current favorable debt interest savings. Refinancing our debt offers RTD an opportunity to build the North Metro Rail Line to 72nd sooner than expected. If financial market conditions remain constant and RTD receives timely approvals from local governments on in-process design, RTD can release a Request for Proposal within the next 10 months to build the North Metro Line to 72nd. RTD is analyzing the possibility of applying for federal grants to help fund the remainder of the North Metro Line to 162nd, and whether regional partners could collaborate to fund the other 50 percent match (approximately $250 million) if a grant can be secured. This latest strategy will not negatively impact the availability of funding for other partially funded projects. Northwest Area Mobility Study Update The selection of a consultant to conduct the Northwest Area Mobility Study is currently underway. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued in December and RTD received five strong proposals in response. Staff will present the recommended team to the RTD Board for approval in February. The purpose of the study is to develop consensus among RTD, CDOT and northwest area stakeholders on cost-effective mobility improvements for the corridor. The study will evaluate mobility options in the northwest area, including a potential North Metro Rail Line extension to Longmont and bus rapid transit (BRT) opportunities. The study is scheduled to start in March and be completed in early 2014.   West Rail Line Testing Underway Integrated testing on the West Rail Line will continue until March 1st. RTD will then conduct operations training until the line opens in April.  During this time, trains will be running throughout the corridor so people are asked to be cautious when driving, biking or walking along the rail line. SAVE THE DATE—I-225 Rail Line Groundbreaking March 1st The groundbreaking ceremony for the whole I-225 Rail Line is set for March 1st. This will kick off construction along the I-225 rail corridor from Iliff northbound to Smith & Peoria. Kiewit Infrastructure Company will build out the full line. Construction has been underway from Nine Mile to Iliff since spring 2012 as part of a joint contract with CDOT and SEMA Construction. The completed line will connect to the Aurora City Center and the Anschutz/Fitzsimons Medical Campus, plus it will provide regional connectivity between the Southeast Rail Line and the East Rail Line to Denver International Airport. Sign up for the mailing list and stay up to date on the project. Lights! Action! West Line's 6th Avenue Bridge Lit Last Wednesday evening, nearly 300 people gathered to see the 6th Avenue Bridge illuminated for the first time. RTD Board Chair Lorraine Anderson and RTD General Manager Phil Washington turned on the lights as a light rail train crossed the bridge. The LED lights will stay on continuously and have a lifespan of 100,000 hours, or about 11 years. The ceremony marked the end of construction and signifies the countdown to the grand opening on April 26. Invite FasTracks to Your Group! If you'd like to schedule a FasTracks presentation for your group or organization, please contact the FasTracks Public Information Team at 303.299.6990. 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 District. For more information, visit www.rtd-denver.com. Unsubscribe