By Shannon Lukens.

 

A meeting for the proposed Mountain Rail Project was Monday night in Steamboat Springs. Paul Desrocher is the director of the Division of Transit and Rail for Colorado Department of Transportation.

“For us, the win is to be able to talk about a passenger rail service that is unlike any other in the world, that has the opportunity for economic development, for a safe and affordable transportation option, for folks in the Yampa Valley and throughout this entire alignment between Craig and Denver.”

 

Desrocher spoke of the importance of mountain rail for the community and for employees. “This corridor has something for everyone, including urban and rural.” He says it provides an opportunity for economic development and jobs.

 

Elected officials were at the meeting from Hayden, Craig, Oak Creek, Steamboat Springs, and Routt County. The meeting was in Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat Springs.

 

The first phase of the project would be from Denver to Granby. Phase 2 would be from Craig to Oak Creek. Desrocher says it would be a transportation option for “regular folks,” and the work force.

 

The middle section of the railroad would be Phase 3. This would be from Granby to Oak Creek. Desrocher says the would be the hardest and most expensive to create. It would be hilly with drop-offs, but it would be beautiful.

 

He also presented station location options in Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs, Oak Creek, and Kremmling. (Pictures below.)

 

The fare structure would probably be based on distance, or zone based.

 

The question of whether there would be service from Yampa Valley Regional Airport to Hayden was asked. Desrocher says that it has been discussed but they aren’t sure how to do it yet.

 

CDOT plans to do one more open house, but it will be done virtually. More questions will be answered. That date is not set yet.