May 2013
WELCOME TO THE I-225 RAIL LINE NEWSLETTER!
Excitement is buzzing at the I-225 Rail Line project office as we head into spring with increasing construction activities. Subscribe to the newsletter and familiarize yourself with the tools available on the I-225 Rail Line website. We periodically send emails with essential information, including project news, construction updates and upcoming events.
Iliff and Florida Station Information Meeting
On May 15, more than fifty community members gathered to learn about the platforms of the future Iliff and Florida Light Rail Stations. Staff from RTD, Kiewit, AECOM, and the City of Aurora provided the presentation and answered questions.
The I-225 Rail Line project team would like to express thanks to those who were able to attend and encourages all tosubscribe to our mailing list to be notified of future events. A special thank you goes out to the Aurora Association of Realtors for generously allowing us to use their venue.
I-225 Rail Line: How Did We Get Here?
Did you know that the idea for the I-225 Rail Line project began more than 15 years ago? In 1997, RTD identified the I-225 corridor as one of the primary areas to incorporate rail transit. In 2001, RTD completed the I-225 Major Investment Study, which analyzed Parker Road to Interstate 70. In 2004, the FasTracks initiative was passed by voters, providing funding to expand RTD’s regional rapid transit system. In 2005, RTD completed the 3 Corridors Scoping Study, which identified alignment options and station locations of the I-225, Gold Line and North Metro corridors. In 2009, after two years of public and agency coordination, the RTD Board of Directors approved the final I-225 Environmental Evaluation(EE) initiating final design from Nine Mile to Iliff.
Construction from Nine Mile to Iliff began in spring 2012 as part of a joint contract with CDOT. The RTD Board approved a proposal from Kiewit Infrastructure Co. in July 2012 to complete the full line. Construction on the complete I-225 Rail Line began in spring 2013. The I-225 Rail Line will open for service in 2016, about three short years from now!
I-225 Rail Line on Display at the Aurora History Museum
The I-225 Rail Line is featured in the Aurora History Museum’s “Green Revolution” exhibit April 9 to June 30.
Signs of Construction – Grade Preparation
Once existing debris is cleared, grading is the next step in preparing the ground to its final profile. The elevation of the new structures and track is dependent on how the train will traverse the 10.5-mile rail alignment, either climbing over existing roadways and bridges or operating within city streets, much as you see today in downtown Denver.
To achieve this, crews will excavate down, or “cut,” to lower the grade elevation in some areas and will build up, or “fill,” large embankments to reach the desired grade in others. “Balancing” the grade process requires hauling massive quantities of dirt from the cuts to the fills and then compacting the dirt.
Once the dirt is in the right location, it is compacted to the required density or strength using either static or vibratory rollers. The use of a vibrating drum increases the force applied by the roller achieving the desired density quicker. This vibration can sometimes be felt in areas adjacent to the work site.
Traditional compaction tests are performed using a handheld nuclear density gauge to measure the soil compaction. New advancements in intelligent compaction technology allow the contractor to calculate soil density immediately using accelerometers located in the drum’s roller. The position of the roller and density measurements are electronically transmitted to a Global Positioning System “GPS” model used to calculate compaction density and identify areas requiring additional compaction.
These technological advancements equate to a cost and time savings on design/build projects such as the I-225 Rail Line.
Stay tuned for our next feature on the various signs of construction:
During the months of May and June 2013, crews will be placing concrete barriers between the southbound lanes of Abilene Street and northbound I-225 and along the on/off ramps of northbound I-225 at Iliff and Mississippi Avenues to establish a work area and begin clearing and grubbing, grading and wall construction. Crews and other utility companies will also be working within Iliff Avenue and Abilene Street. Check the website for continuous updates.
Segment 1 – Nine Mile Station to Iliff Station:
E. Harvard Avenue (Work Began April 2013)
Abilene Street - Mississippi Avenue to Exposition Avenue (Beginning May 17, 2013)
Upcoming Events
May 23, 3-5 p.m. - RTD/Kiewit I-225 Rail Line Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program (SPSP) Informational Workshop: How to Get Assessed, RTD Administrative Offices, 1600 Blake St., T&D Conference Room, Denver, CO 80202; Register here or contact Dan Pearsall to for more information: Daniel.Pearsall@rtd-denver.com, 303.299.2281
June 14, 7:30 a.m. - I-225 Rail Line Quarterly Elected Officials Briefing, Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80012
Get More Information
Website:
www.rtd-fastracks.com (Click on the I-225 Rail Line tab)
Email:
I-225@rtd-fastracks.com
Construction Information Line:
720-863-8505
WELCOME TO THE I-225 RAIL LINE NEWSLETTER!
Excitement is buzzing at the I-225 Rail Line project office as we head into spring with increasing construction activities. Subscribe to the newsletter and familiarize yourself with the tools available on the I-225 Rail Line website. We periodically send emails with essential information, including project news, construction updates and upcoming events.
Iliff and Florida Station Information Meeting
On May 15, more than fifty community members gathered to learn about the platforms of the future Iliff and Florida Light Rail Stations. Staff from RTD, Kiewit, AECOM, and the City of Aurora provided the presentation and answered questions.
The I-225 Rail Line project team would like to express thanks to those who were able to attend and encourages all tosubscribe to our mailing list to be notified of future events. A special thank you goes out to the Aurora Association of Realtors for generously allowing us to use their venue.
I-225 Rail Line: How Did We Get Here?
Did you know that the idea for the I-225 Rail Line project began more than 15 years ago? In 1997, RTD identified the I-225 corridor as one of the primary areas to incorporate rail transit. In 2001, RTD completed the I-225 Major Investment Study, which analyzed Parker Road to Interstate 70. In 2004, the FasTracks initiative was passed by voters, providing funding to expand RTD’s regional rapid transit system. In 2005, RTD completed the 3 Corridors Scoping Study, which identified alignment options and station locations of the I-225, Gold Line and North Metro corridors. In 2009, after two years of public and agency coordination, the RTD Board of Directors approved the final I-225 Environmental Evaluation(EE) initiating final design from Nine Mile to Iliff.
Construction from Nine Mile to Iliff began in spring 2012 as part of a joint contract with CDOT. The RTD Board approved a proposal from Kiewit Infrastructure Co. in July 2012 to complete the full line. Construction on the complete I-225 Rail Line began in spring 2013. The I-225 Rail Line will open for service in 2016, about three short years from now!
I-225 Rail Line on Display at the Aurora History Museum
The I-225 Rail Line is featured in the Aurora History Museum’s “Green Revolution” exhibit April 9 to June 30.
Signs of Construction – Grade Preparation
Once existing debris is cleared, grading is the next step in preparing the ground to its final profile. The elevation of the new structures and track is dependent on how the train will traverse the 10.5-mile rail alignment, either climbing over existing roadways and bridges or operating within city streets, much as you see today in downtown Denver.
To achieve this, crews will excavate down, or “cut,” to lower the grade elevation in some areas and will build up, or “fill,” large embankments to reach the desired grade in others. “Balancing” the grade process requires hauling massive quantities of dirt from the cuts to the fills and then compacting the dirt.
Once the dirt is in the right location, it is compacted to the required density or strength using either static or vibratory rollers. The use of a vibrating drum increases the force applied by the roller achieving the desired density quicker. This vibration can sometimes be felt in areas adjacent to the work site.
Traditional compaction tests are performed using a handheld nuclear density gauge to measure the soil compaction. New advancements in intelligent compaction technology allow the contractor to calculate soil density immediately using accelerometers located in the drum’s roller. The position of the roller and density measurements are electronically transmitted to a Global Positioning System “GPS” model used to calculate compaction density and identify areas requiring additional compaction.
These technological advancements equate to a cost and time savings on design/build projects such as the I-225 Rail Line.
Stay tuned for our next feature on the various signs of construction:
- Survey/soil testing
- Utility relocations
- Clearing and grubbing of areas
- Grade preparation
- Building of structures
- Roadway rebuilding
- Track work on the line
During the months of May and June 2013, crews will be placing concrete barriers between the southbound lanes of Abilene Street and northbound I-225 and along the on/off ramps of northbound I-225 at Iliff and Mississippi Avenues to establish a work area and begin clearing and grubbing, grading and wall construction. Crews and other utility companies will also be working within Iliff Avenue and Abilene Street. Check the website for continuous updates.
Segment 1 – Nine Mile Station to Iliff Station:
E. Harvard Avenue (Work Began April 2013)
- Closure and detour through summer 2013
- Utility and drainage relocations, roadway realignment, and wall construction
- Barrier placement on northbound off rampOvernight lane restrictions (10pm to 5am)
- Drainage work across the eastbound/westbound lanes of Iliff Avenue at Abilene Street
- Lane restrictions with one lane in each direction open at all times
Abilene Street - Mississippi Avenue to Exposition Avenue (Beginning May 17, 2013)
- Right southbound lane of Abilene will be closed
- Southbound lanes reduced to one lane with barrier placement from Jewell to Mississippi Avenues
- Additional intermittent lane restrictions as Kiewit crews and utility companies work simultaneously within Abilene Street
- One lane in each direction and business access will be maintained at all times
- Barrier placement on northbound on/off ramps
- Overnight lane restrictions (10pm to 5am)
- Establish Field Office/Staging Area (adjacent to Xcel Power Transmission Station)
Upcoming Events
May 23, 3-5 p.m. - RTD/Kiewit I-225 Rail Line Subcontractors Performance Self-Insured Program (SPSP) Informational Workshop: How to Get Assessed, RTD Administrative Offices, 1600 Blake St., T&D Conference Room, Denver, CO 80202; Register here or contact Dan Pearsall to for more information: Daniel.Pearsall@rtd-denver.com, 303.299.2281
June 14, 7:30 a.m. - I-225 Rail Line Quarterly Elected Officials Briefing, Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora, CO 80012
Get More Information
Website:
www.rtd-fastracks.com (Click on the I-225 Rail Line tab)
Email:
I-225@rtd-fastracks.com
Construction Information Line:
720-863-8505
Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation, Richard Devylder along with RTD Direcctors Paul Solano and Claudia Folska. Click here for more information about Richard.
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Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano with RTD Director Claudia Folska
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Platform
Improving Efficiencies
Ensuring outstanding stewardship of citizens' trust in RTD and how their tax money is spent will be a high priority for me as board member. Increasing RTD ridership and revenue from untapped sources (such as leasing retail space at light rail stations), and streamlining the RTD administrative structure, will help RTD complete the FasTracks project without reducing service. I have a strong background in business and problem solving to draw upon for guiding RTD.
Completing Current Light Rail Expansions, Particularly the I-225 Corridor
I will work with local governments, business and communities to find innovative ways to fund the full build-out of FasTracks, all corridors. I will also work with the neighborhoods along the I-225 Light Rail Corridor for a smooth construction project that completes the rail line from 9-Mile Station, through the Anschutz Fitzsimons Medical Campus on-time and with minimal disruption.
Creating Jobs
RTD and its infrastructure projects provide direct and indirect employment for thousands of Coloradans. As a Board Member I will work to create even more jobs, and work to employ citizens and veterans with disabilities.
Ensuring Accessibility for All Users
No citizen, and particularly no citizen with a disability, should ever be left stranded from access to public transit. I will evaluate and implement more cost-effective means of providing para-transit. Furthermore, I will actively work to make RTD stations fit design criteria for Pedestrian Oriented Developments, a concept I created based on the research for my dissertation.
Grow the Rider Campaign
When elected, I will implement my Grow the Rider Campaign, a plan to increase ridership and therefore revenue and support for RTD. It will consist of an advertising campaign, and an Eco Pass to every incoming high school freshman to encourage them to use RTD. It is the youth that will grow into future adult public transit users.
BLIND FAITH: A vision for RTD's future By SARA CASTELLANOS Staff writer
AURORA | Her world is dark, so little surprises are in store for Claudia Folska every day.
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Claudia talks in this video about her experiences with the bus and light rail system in the Denver region.
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Westword - September 27, 2012
Claudia Folska doesn't need to see to have vision - By Melanie Asmar Thursday, Sep 27 2012
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What People Are Saying -
- "I just think it’s amazing how you want to change RTD. We all have disabilities in this program, and we are required to ride RTD to our program, and know it is sometimes hard. One of us uses Access a Ride and that is hard too. . . Thanks for being an inspiration!!!” ~ Alishia in Aurora
- "Congratulations on your decision to run for RTD board! I’m looking forward to your advocacy for pedestrians and Pedestrian Oriented Developments. 'People are pedestrians by design'!" ~ Goshia in Denver
- "Claudia will be a strong advocate for people with disabilities who disproportionately rely on public transportation. I am excited to endorse her candidacy." ~ Senator Irene Aguilar
- "She has the capacity to understand the technology of transit — the details of it and the bottom line," says Stan Gronek, the financial secretary-treasurer of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001, "and she has the heart for the passenger, particularly the segment of disabled passengers who really need public transportation." ~ Westword
- "I voted for Dr. Floska, I hope you to will follow. Claudia has received the endorsements of Mayor Hogan, Mayor Hancock, Mayor Rakowsky. She has the vision that RTD needs." Bill McMullen - Current RTD District E Board Member
- "Congratulations on your decision to run for RTD board! I’m looking forward to your advocacy for pedestrians and Pedestrian Oriented Developments. 'People are pedestrians by design'!" ~ Goshia in Denver
- "Claudia will be a strong advocate for people with disabilities who disproportionately rely on public transportation. I am excited to endorse her candidacy." ~ Senator Irene Aguilar
- "She has the capacity to understand the technology of transit — the details of it and the bottom line," says Stan Gronek, the financial secretary-treasurer of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001, "and she has the heart for the passenger, particularly the segment of disabled passengers who really need public transportation." ~ Westword
- "I voted for Dr. Floska, I hope you to will follow. Claudia has received the endorsements of Mayor Hogan, Mayor Hancock, Mayor Rakowsky. She has the vision that RTD needs." Bill McMullen - Current RTD District E Board Member
Claudia Folska for RTD-Denver
(District E (map) includes parts of Denver, Aurora, Greenwood Village and Centennial)
Greetings and thank you for visiting my campaign web site. My name is Claudia Folska, I am the mom of a terrific high school student, I recently completed a dual PhD from the University of Colorado and I am blind. As you can imagine, I do not own a car and I depend on RTD for transportation to live an independent and productive life. I believe it makes sense to have a voice at RTD that depends on RTD's bus and light rail services. My experience as an RTD rider has already allowed me to make improvements to safety and services provided by RTD. I promise to bring a fresh and new perspective to the conversation about RTD and public transportation.
For more information about me, please visit these web sites for articles about my research and studies as they apply to public transportation and the places we live in.
Westword - Claudia Folska doesn't need to see to have vision
Wired Magazine - Navigating Blind
NPR - Blind Student Helps Make Denver Navigable for All
CPR - The Science and Design of Navigating Blind
Denver Post - Colorado PUC judge listens to solutions for metro Denver light-rail "quiet crossings"
Navigating the built environment - Video shot inside Denver Union Station
I look forward to meeting and talking to you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Claudia Folska
Claudia@Claudia4RTD.com
303-753-1099
(Please note that this web site is designed for maximum accessibility for the visually impaired. Comments for improvement are welcome.)
For more information about me, please visit these web sites for articles about my research and studies as they apply to public transportation and the places we live in.
Westword - Claudia Folska doesn't need to see to have vision
Wired Magazine - Navigating Blind
NPR - Blind Student Helps Make Denver Navigable for All
CPR - The Science and Design of Navigating Blind
Denver Post - Colorado PUC judge listens to solutions for metro Denver light-rail "quiet crossings"
Navigating the built environment - Video shot inside Denver Union Station
I look forward to meeting and talking to you in the near future.
Kind regards,
Claudia Folska
Claudia@Claudia4RTD.com
303-753-1099
(Please note that this web site is designed for maximum accessibility for the visually impaired. Comments for improvement are welcome.)
Outstanding Citizens' Academy Graduate
Claudia Folska to receive the "Outstanding Citizens' Academy Graduate - 2012" award from the Denver Region Transit Alliance at the celebration event on November 8th - www.TransitAlliance.org
RTD District "E" map
