North Metro E-Blast North Metro Update (also known as the N Line) Opening date for N Line moves to May or August of 2020 Remaining milestones on Regional Transportation District (RTD)’s newest commuter rail line, the N Line, will move the project’s opening date to next May or August, General Manager and CEO Dave Genova told the transit agency’s Board of Directors at tonight’s meeting. In an informational update about the project – which will serve riders traveling between Denver and Adams County, Commerce City, Northglenn and Thornton – Genova acknowledged that specific milestones still must be met before an opening date can be determined. These include turnover of the project from contractor Regional Rail Partners (RRP) to RTD and advanced testing elements such as grade crossings and positive train control (PTC). RTD had previously stated that its goal was to open the rail line during the first quarter of 2020. The transit agency remains committed to doing so next year. “The N Line is a long-awaited connection for our riders in the communities north of Denver, and the project team continues to work diligently toward meeting all regulatory requirements and ensuring public safety of the line,” Genova said. “RTD has made significant progress on this project, and we will be better able to announce the opening date as additional steps are completed.” RTD will fully operate the N Line – known during construction as the North Metro Line – when it is open. The agency’s staff will develop a detailed list of milestones to serve as a roadmap for determining an opening date. RTD aims to open the line to coincide with May or August service changes. RTD and contract team Regional Rail Partners (RRP) – a joint venture of Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Inc. and Graham – continue to work on civil and systems elements to complete construction of the first 13 miles of the N Line, currently funded from Denver Union Station to Eastlake-124th Station. The 18.5-mile electrified commuter rail line is part of FasTracks, RTD’s 2004 voter-approved, multibillion-dollar transit expansion plan for the metro Denver region. Overhead catenary system (OCS) wires on the N Line went live in March, and train testing on the corridor began in April using the conventional, automatic train control (ATC) system. Once RRP reaches substantial completion of construction on the N Line, RTD will review and validate the work. RTD is now training operators on the corridor and will proceed with full testing of the line when substantial completion has been reached. Meet our new neighbor: Suncor The North Metro Rail Line’s Skyway Bridge is the longest bridge in Colorado. When the line opens for service as the N Line in 2020, the commuter rail bridge will take riders by the state’s only fuels refinery, operated by Suncor. Suncor’s Commerce City refinery is one of the largest in the Rocky Mountain region, and employs more than 400 people. The 98,000 barrel-per-day facility makes products many consumers use every day, including gasoline and diesel fuel, much of Denver International Airport’s jet fuel, and paving-grade asphalt used on Colorado roads. Suncor is a major supplier of fuel to the state’s Western Slope, and supplies fuel throughout Colorado via pipeline, rail and truck. Much of the crude used for feedstock at the refinery is locally sourced from Colorado suppliers. In addition to the Commerce City refinery, Suncor’s U.S. operations include crude trading, logistics and pipelines, and wholesale and retail operations. Through its community investment efforts, Suncor supports more than 50 local nonprofit organizations and initiatives, including the Suncor Boys & Girls Club in Commerce City, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership and Mile High United Way. For more information about Suncor and its operations, go to www.suncor.com. Safety Reminder RTD and project contractor Regional Rail Partners (RRP) would like to remind the public that prior to opening for revenue service, the entire project is an active construction zone. Please abide by all safety signage and do not attempt to view testing by accessing construction areas at stations or locations along the tracks. Important safety tips: Do not try to touch or throw objects at the overhead power lines or climb on the power poles – the wires are up, and live with 25,000 volts of electricity! Never trespass on any train track – it is illegal and dangerous. Cross the tracks only at designated crossings – always follow safety signage and obey warning devices like flashing red lights and gate arms Stay alert and look both ways for trains – you may not hear them coming. Stay off station platforms until the line is open to the public. Questions about the North Metro Project? Visit our website: http://www.rtd-denver.com/n-line.shtml .