The Colorado Department of Transportation has been exploring a new initiative intended to enhance transportation options in the Rocky Mountains by train. The Colorado Mountain Rail project plan involves developing a network of passenger rail lines that connects mountain towns and regions with urban centers and recreation center like ski resorts.

Launched in 2023, the Mountain Rail Program operates under CDOT’S Division of Transit and Rail’s Passenger Rail branch. The small team was formed in response to requests from state leaders and communities like Steamboat Springs and Winter Park.

A shift in the coal industry has opened up opportunities to repurpose rail corridors for passenger use.

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The Colorado Transportation Commission approved initial funding to develop a service plan for the project in October 2023.

Specific station locations along the route are being studied for consideration. The department is evaluating multiple factors to identify the most suitable sites for these stations. According to the department, a fatal flaw analysis will be applied to potential station locations to remove potential locations that have insurmountable challenges. The remaining potential locations will undergo additional location screening reviews and an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each location.

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As part of this process, the Colorado Department of Transportation has been soliciting community feedback to shape final decisions.

On Sept. 11, an open house regarding the proposed Mountain Rail project was held at Granby Middle School for Grand County residents. Representatives spoke to residents and local leaders, including State Rep. Julie McCluskie, who attended the open house.

Grand County residents shared some of their initial thoughts at the open house with Sky-Hi News.

Scott Becker said that while he enjoys the idea of a mountain passenger rail, he was skeptical of the project’s success because of the financial factor.

“It is a financial unfeasibility, it will have to be funded by taxpayer money. I think it’s a great idea if it was economically feasible,” Becker said.

Senate Bill 184 is an innovative funding bill that was passed during the last legislative session and allows the state to impose a $3 per day fee on rental cars to help pay for transportation projects, including the mountain line. The fee, which begins in 2025, is estimated to bring in $50 million per year.

Granby resident Truman Marrama said that he’s “always liked the idea of a rail network.”

“It’s a very romantic thing for me, personally. I know that Colorado was partially established because it had rail networks, part of what got it through its heyday and its boom and bust cycle,” Truman said.

Truman explained that he utilizes the current trains available to him in Grand County to visit family in Utah and travel to the Front Range. He said that he’s always looking for ways to travel that are not by vehicle, since his primary vehicle is a truck.

“To have an option that’s not the bus, which is restricted to the same rules of the road that cars are, and something I can use in the winter like a rail service, that would be huge. Especially if they can provide enough service and get the reliability down to get a regular ridership who can take advantage of it,” Truman said.

Cora Marrama shared some restrained optimism about the rail project.

“I’m overall, hesitantly excited/optimistic. I think the idea of public transport is very exciting, especially in a community where driving in the winter is a little hard,” Cora said. “With all that being said, plans like these have been set forth, like the rail line from Fort Collins to Denver, and they haven’t really gotten off the ground.”

Grand County residents will have another chance to learn about the Mountain Rail project in Fraser on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fraser Valley Elementary School. Representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation will be present to answer questions and take comments. A presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m. where attendees can learn about the project.