Repairs to the downtown light rail loop are forging ahead on schedule. The complete reconstruction of the tracks on 15th Street at Stout and California in less than three weeks allowed the Regional Transportation District to reopen the intersections to traffic ahead of Tuesday’s rush hour traffic, according to a news release.

Two of the five intersections remain to be repaired.

Crews move to the 17th Street intersections at Stout and California on Monday, Aug. 12, to complete this year’s downtown rail work. The remaining construction is expected to take about three weeks.

“Rail reconstruction in the downtown area has been running smoothly, and we look forward to completing the first of four phases of the project in the coming weeks. The improvements made at these intersections are intended to improve safety and prolong the life of the rail for another 30 years,” said Aprajit “Jeet” Desai, RTD project manager for the Downtown Rail Construction Project.

“Future phases of the project will begin in 2025 with improvements planned for midblock areas in the Downtown Loop, Colfax Avenue and the Welton Street corridor,” said an RTD release.

Upcoming traffic impacts and detour information:

• Work will occur simultaneously at the intersections of 17th/Stout streets and 17th/California streets

• 17th Street will be closed between California Street and the alley directly to the east, and between Stout Street and the alley directly to the west.

• At least one lane will remain open on Stout and California streets at 17th Street.

• Welton Street will continue to operate as a one-way street with two northbound lanes between 15th and 17th streets to accommodate additional traffic.

• Sidewalks and crosswalks will be closed on the east side of California Street and the west side of Stout Street.

• Alley, parking lot, loading dock and parking structure access will remain open.

• All business access will remain open.

Light rail train service impacts:

• All D and H Line trains are currently rerouted to Denver Union Station.

• L Line service is suspended, and Bus Route 43 serves as an alternative for access from 30th·Downing Station to the Downtown Loop.

• RTD has temporarily reinstated the Free MetroRide to expand transit across downtown Denver with all-day, fare-free service along 18th and 19th streets, seven days a week.

• Through fall, RTD’s Free MallRide service will only run between Union Station and Champa Street on 15th and 17th streets. Customers planning to travel to and from Civic Center Station are encouraged to use the free MetroRide.

• Bus Route 0L provides all-day connections seven days a week between I-25·Broadway and Civic Center stations.