Flaggers On RTD’s G Line Will Finally Be Dismissed

The Regional Transportation District said flaggers along the G Line commuter rail from Denver to Arvada and Wheat Ridge will soon be going away.

Regulators have required human oversight at the G Line's 16 crossing gates, which used wireless technology needed to meet new federal standards, for years.

But in a news release Friday afternoon, RTD General Manager and CEO Dave Genova said the Federal Railroad Administration and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission have given their final sign-off to the crossing gate technology.

“This is another significant milestone for the G Line and the Eagle project,” RTD General Manager and CEO Dave Genova said. “Now that the flaggers will no longer be stationed at the grade crossings, we ask everyone to be our partners in safety.”

Flaggers will leave their posts as early as next week, the release said, though they may be reinstated as needed.

RTD's contractor that built and operates the G Line, Denver Transit Partners, has been footing the bill for the flaggers. The company also built and operates the A and B lines, which had flaggers stationed until late last year.

The two groups are currently suing each other in district court over those and other costs. The company is seeking $80 million in damages in a dispute that is set to go to trial next summer.

RTD has already spent or set aside $12.5 million to cover its legal costs related to that and another legal battle.