Adams County officials push RTD and CDOT to protect Thornton Park & Ride service amid I‑25 Segment 2 plans

Adams County commissioners raised concerns that the Colorado Department of Transportation's Segment 2 improvements on I‑25 could remove slip ramps at the Thornton Park & Ride and disrupt the Route 120 express service that many residents use to commute to employment centers.

Commissioners told RTD and CDOT representatives they want a clear and timely plan to prevent service interruptions and minimize impacts on riders’ access to work. RTD officials acknowledged ridership for the 120 express has not recovered to pre‑pandemic levels—"in January 2020, roughly 500 to 600 individuals a day used the Thornton Park And Ride for the 120X; we're more in the range of about 130 individuals, currently," RTD said—and said their service‑planning team will study options.

RTD staff said removal or reconfiguration of slip ramps would likely require service changes. Possible mitigations discussed included creating a new express route that originates at the park‑and‑ride, reconfiguring connecting routes, or otherwise reassigning service so customers retain a comparable connection to employment centers. RTD stressed the comprehensive operational analysis starting next year will examine district‑wide service adjustments and that the agency will engage stakeholders in that process.

Commissioners asked that whatever replacement service is planned should start with minimal downtime so riders do not lose access to jobs. The board requested a near‑term workshop that includes RTD service developers and CDOT planners to map how construction staging would affect park‑and‑ride access and to identify transition plans for riders.

RTD committed to work with Adams County and CDOT to identify options and to include Thornton customers in outreach and service planning. CDOT staff present said their environmental/design process and RTD’s service planning should be coordinated so changes in the right‑of‑way and construction staging align with operational plans.

Next steps: staff agreed to set a short‑term meeting with RTD service‑development staff, CDOT and county stakeholders to outline interim service options and a communication plan for affected riders.