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Aurora staff brief committee on East Colfax BRT: construction, small‑business support and April start in Aurora expected

Aurora City Transportation and Public Works Policy Committee (TAPS) · February 25, 2026

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Summary

Staff updated TAPS on the regional East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project, saying construction will reach Aurora in spring (est. April), construction in Aurora may last about a year through 2027, revenue service is expected by early 2028, and staff are implementing a small business support plan and communications program.

A Public Works deputy director delivered an informational update on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which runs from Union Station in Denver east through Colfax into Aurora and terminates at I‑225.

Staff described the project’s three segments (downtown loop, Denver center‑running dedicated lanes, Aurora side‑running mixed flow), noted construction began in October 2024 and that the contractor is working west to east and is expected to reach Aurora in the spring (estimated April). Construction in Aurora is expected to last about a year (through 2027) with services starting in early 2028. Bus acquisition and system testing were described as ongoing.

Project features presented included shelters, weather protection, ticket vending machines, off‑board fare collection, level boarding, transit signal priority and, in Aurora, side‑running signature stations with station art selected from local artists. Staff described trade‑offs of mixed‑flow operation in Aurora (not as fast as center running) but said transit signal priority and frequent headways (about every 4 minutes on the BRT) should improve travel times overall.

Staff emphasized an outreach and small‑business support program: targeted letters to impacted businesses, pop‑up events, a contractor‑led outreach team, monthly Colfax chats, and a small‑business assistance package that could include financial help, marketing support, green‑infrastructure assessments and temporary easement compensation.

The presenter asked whether TAPS supported presenting a similar informational briefing to full City Council at the next study session; committee members agreed and staff will schedule a council briefing.