The ongoing Bus Rapid Transit — or BRT — construction is changing everything about Colfax as it makes space for public transportation in a whole new way. It’s no secret that this upheaval of the built environment along this famous street has also been tough on local businesses, but our friends and sponsors at the Colfax Ave Business Improvement District have been working hard to keep the community informed on street closures and construction progress. Still, we realize that BRT can feel like a big, vague city project that is hard to wrap your mind around, so we wanted to break it all down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the Colfax BRT project.
What Is Bus Rapid Transit, Anyway?
Theoretically, it’s a faster and more efficient option to traditional bus transit. BRT basically gives buses more space on the road and precedence over vehicle traffic through features like dedicated bus lanes, traffic signal priority, and pre-paid fare systems to improve frequency, speed, and reliability for riders. It’s also intended to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.
What Will Look Like for Denver?
The East Colfax BRT line will run from Union Station in Denver to the I-225 station in Aurora. For the main Denver stretch — from Broadway to Yosemite Street — there will be two bus-only center lanes, one running in each direction. (See the rendering above.) From Yosemite to I-225 — the Aurora stretch of the line — the buses will operate in mixed-flow side lanes. Buses will arrive as frequently as every 4 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. City officials predict the new system will reduce transit travel time along this corridor by as much as 30 minutes. The project will also include new and improved streetscaping.
The East Colfax BRT line will run from Union Station in Denver to I-225 in Aurora, and be constructed in multi-block segments. (Provided by the City of Denver)
Who’s Footing the Bill?
All in, the project is expected to cost about $280 million. Here’s where funding is coming from:
- $150 million from the Federal Transit Administration
- $55 million from the Elevate Denver Bond
- $28.4 million from the Denver Regional Council of Governments
- $14 million from the City of Aurora
- Unspecified additional funding from the city’s Capital Improvement Program Funding
When Is Construction Going to End?
Construction began in October 2024 and is being carried out in five multi-block sections. Officials are hoping to wrap up work by mid-2027. Currently, crews are working between Broadway and Elm Street. Though construction hasn’t exactly been easy for storefronts on the street, local business owners are finding ways to keep Colfax wonderfully weird and open for business.
Stay In the Loop
Want to be the first to know about BRT construction updates? You can sign up for email alerts with the City of Denver. You can also submit comments and questions about the project through the city’s website. For more, check out the project's FAQ page.
