The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun environmental review and design work on a planned bus rapid transit route (BRT) that could span up to 18 miles of Federal Boulevard in the Denver metro area.
According to state officials, Federal Boulevard is one of the busiest transit corridors in metro Denver, where buses experience significant delays, resulting in long travel times. The new BRT would be a high-capacity, efficient bus service that incorporates elements of light rail such as enhanced stations, all-door boarding, purchasing tickets before riding and dedicated bus lanes.
The total price tag has been estimated at approximately $300 million. Preliminary design, engineering and environmental review are scheduled for completion in early 2026. Final design will continue through 2027, when construction is expected to begin.
The Federal Boulevard BRT project includes the stretch of Federal Boulevard between Dartmouth and 120th Avenues that extends to the Englewood park and ride on the south end and the Wagon Road park and ride on the north end.
Elements of the project will include converting shoulders, right-turn lanes, and third general-purpose lanes to bus lanes and widening existing roadways. The project also includes pedestrian improvements, off-board fare payment, all-door boarding and transit signal priority.
CDOT expects the new BRT to open in 2030.
The new BRT is one of three that CDOT is planning. Additional projects that are in the early design stages include a BRT on Colorado Boulevard in Denver and on Colorado 7 between Boulder and Brighton.
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