The ongoing construction for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Colfax Avenue has unearthed a piece of Denver's history. Century-old streetcar rails, buried beneath layers of asphalt, have resurfaced, offering a glimpse into the city's early 20th-century urban development. This discovery not only highlights the evolution of transportation in Denver but also underscores the city's efforts to reverse its mid-20th-century shift towards car-centric design. Urban planners and historians see this as a momentous occasion, reflecting both nostalgia and progress.

Rediscovering Denver's Forgotten Rails

The excavation at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Franklin Street revealed rail lines that once carried trolleys through the heart of Denver. For a brief period, these tracks were visible, evoking memories of a time when mass transit shaped the city's commercial corridors. Ryan Keeney, a transportation planner and president of YIMBY Denver, noted that such discoveries are not uncommon during construction projects, but the extent of the Colfax find was particularly striking. The exposed rails and ties provided a vivid reminder of an era when public transit was the backbone of urban mobility.

This revelation is more than just a historical curiosity; it symbolizes a pivotal moment in Denver's urban planning history. In the mid-1900s, the city shifted focus from streetcars to automobiles, leading to the demolition of homes and neighborhoods to accommodate highways and parking lots. However, recent decades have seen a reversal of this trend, with urban planners now recognizing the benefits of mass transit, cycling, and walking. The BRT project on Colfax Avenue is part of this new direction, aiming to make the avenue more accessible without relying on cars. Keeney emphasized that this shift aligns with the advocacy for dense zoning and sustainable transit options, which are essential for vibrant urban living.

Impact and Reactions to the Construction

While the discovery of the old rails has sparked interest and excitement among residents and visitors, local businesses along Colfax Avenue express mixed feelings about the construction. Some business owners, like Josh Bailey from Lifetime Tattoo, are concerned about the impact on foot traffic and parking availability. Bailey pointed out that his walk-in business relies heavily on easy access for customers. Despite these concerns, others, such as Kirk Wilken, found the uncovered tracks intriguing and wondered why they were abandoned in the first place. The temporary disruption has left many pondering the balance between preserving history and modernizing infrastructure.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure spokesperson Nancy Kuhn explained that most of the historic rail lines will remain undisturbed underground, except where bus stations are planned. The sections removed must be disposed of at hazardous waste facilities due to the presence of railroad ties. The BRT project, spanning from Broadway to Monaco, will continue to reveal more of Denver's embedded history over the next few years. While the uncovering of these tracks brings moments of delight, it also serves as a reminder of the city's evolving priorities. To Keeney, this project signifies a correction of past mistakes, steering Denver back toward a more sustainable and accessible future. As the city moves forward, it aims to integrate the lessons learned from its rich past into its plans for a better tomorrow.