Colorado announced a 25-year agreement with Union Pacific for passenger rail access through the Moffat Tunnel on Monday, May 5. According to Colorado Public Radio, the agreement will provide a new route for regular train service from Denver to the mountains.
“We’re embarking on a new era of partnership. Union Pacific will continue to facilitate the commerce needs of Colorado and the West and the country while expanding passenger rail service to get Coloradans and visitors where we want to go. Saving time and money, reducing congestion and reducing pollution.” – Governor Jared Polis
The Mountain Passenger Rail is set to begin operations next year, providing year-round service between Denver and Granby. Eventually the route is planned to connect Craig and Steamboat Springs further northwest. Requests for proposals are likely to go out next month.
“We’re very excited about that work as well. But we will recognize some of the benefits of this next year with the daily Denver to Granby year-round service. We’ve seen, of course, the amazing success of the Winter Park ski train. We know that there’s also vast potential for summer access to Rocky Mountain National Park from the west, and many other benefits for tourists and for Colorado Front Range residents who want to access the mountains.” – Jared Polis
Moffat Tunnel, which stretches 6.2 miles through the Continental Divide, was built 100 years ago. It connects Denver to the West Coast, providing an important route through the mountains. Union Pacific was originally issued a 99-year lease which expired on May 1. This new 25-year lease replaces the original. Moffat Tunnel is operated under a public-private partnership.
