Under the guidance of the Denver Union Station Master Plan, the Vision Plan Alternative relocates light rail, passenger rail and regional bus facilities underground at Denver Union Station.

Accommodating these major transportation modes below the surface will create additional space at the ground level for:

• The extension of 18th Street between Wynkoop and Wewatta streets;
• Increased opportunities for pedestrian circulation;
• Expanded areas for new street-level retail;
• The proposed 16th Street Mall shuttle turnaround;
• The future downtown circulator; and
• Commercial bus providers.

The Vision Plan Alternative is comprised of the following elements:

LRT Elements

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) elements of the Vision Plan Alternative are described under Phase I. The one exception is that the open air station that is included in Phase I will be covered under the Vision Plan Alternative due to future development and pedestrian access at the 17th Street promenade.

Passenger Rail Element

The passenger rail element will provide 6 tracks, passenger platforms and 1 service platform. Passenger rail will transition to a below ground station between 18th and 20th streets and will be located between the LRT Station and Denver Union Station. The station will be approximately 30 feet below its current location. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be approximately 41,000 daily passenger rail trips at Denver Union Station.

Bus Elements

RTD’s regional bus and operations that currently use Market Street Station will be relocated below Denver Union Station. Access to the below grade station will be through ramps at the north and south end of DUS. The northern ramp will connect to the 20th Street High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, while the southern ramp will connect to Wewatta Street at 16th Street. By 2025, it is estimated that 14,500 Regional and Express bus trips will occur at Denver Union Station.

Additionally, the 16th Mall Shuttle and downtown circulator turnaround will be relocated to a new bus deck constructed at-grade over the passenger rail station (southwest side of Denver Union Station).

Bicycle Elements

A bike station will be provided within Denver Union Station. The preliminary location identified for the bike station is near the intersection of 16th Street and Wynkoop Street; however the final location has not been determined. The bike station elements will include locker rooms, a maintenance facility, and parking and storage. Additionally, the extension of 18th Street will provide an additional street segment for use by bicyclists.