Brady PieperColorado is one step closer to implementing passenger rail service and connecting millions of residents, businesses and communities throughout the state’s population hubs.
The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners is approving a nearly $38 million plan to bring passenger rail service to Pueblo, a move that could kick off years of railway projects throughout Colorado’s Front Range. Following years of anticipation, the county will adopt the new plan that proposes a new rail station and multimodal transportation service near the Union Depot.
“It’s a very exciting step forward in continuing to connect Pueblo to the rest of the state through the means of passenger rail,” Commissioner Miles Lucero said. “This project isn’t just about transportation options; it brings economic opportunity.”
A passenger rail study, approved and funded by Pueblo County voters in 2016, evaluated the feasibility of passenger service in the county, identifying several preferred locations to serve as a new rail station and community hub.
The county’s recently approved plan, which is estimated to cost up to $37.8 million to implement, recommends one of two locally preferred alternatives in the study at a site adjacent to the historic Union Depot.
The county would develop the project at the facility’s baggage depot due to its proximity to the platforms and historic role in supporting passenger rail services, according to the rail study.
The baggage depot would be renovated and modernized with enhanced sightlines, walkable features to nearby trails and multimodal transportation options such as bus services and rail platforms. Residents and riders would have access to a variety of high-visibility retail and commercial spaces while promoting the local economy.
Notably, the county also proposes the construction of a new multimodal bridge that would connect passengers from the station, island platforms, downtown Pueblo and the nearby Arkansas River Levee Trail.
Pueblo County’s rail station plan was informed by several rounds of public feedback, including community open houses, discussions with businesses and municipalities and partnerships with rail organizations.
Drawing inspiration from these gatherings, the county’s plan intends to reflect the feedback of the community, foster economic growth, enhance connectivity and preserve historic structures and land.
The county’s rail network would align and be built to integrate with two proposed passenger rail projects in Colorado — Amtrak’s Southwest Chief expansion and the Front Range Passenger Rail project. Combined, the two rail initiatives are designed to connect Colorado Springs and Pueblo and a variety of Front Range locations, such as Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins.
Colorado state legislators are considering the future of the Southwest Chief expansion and the Front Range project, including an evaluation of potential federal, state, local and private funding sources.
Following Pueblo County’s approval of the rail plan, state officials plan to seek local municipal support and public guidance for future railways at one of southern Colorado’s population hubs.
In approving the plan, Pueblo County will recommend the adoption of local transportation and capital improvement plans along with establishment of a governance framework to plan the project’s design, funding, delivery and operations. The county will also update the Front Range Passenger Rail Board of Directors on the plan’s approval and discuss next steps for the development.
Photo Courtesy Pueblo Station Area Plan
