East Colfax to Put Buses in Center Lanes Sept. 27, With Restricted Left Turns

RTD is scheduled to move Routes 15 and 15L into East Colfax Avenue’s center bus lanes between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard on Sunday, Sept. 27. The change gives storefront customers a new approach to plan for: drivers will use the outer lanes and designated left turns, while bus riders will board at center platforms along part of the stretch. RTD says construction on this segment is complete and fencing and barrels will be removed for the opening.

This is the start of center-lane operations, rather than the launch of every planned bus rapid transit feature. RTD’s project update places full-corridor elements in late 2027 or early 2028.

Driving to a Colfax business

RTD says passenger vehicles must use the outer lanes. Left turns will be allowed only where a designated left-turn lane and arrow are provided, making the permitted intersection worth checking before approaching a destination. Argonaut Wine & Liquor, at 760 E. Colfax Ave., is one business on the affected stretch; it advertises free parking, pickup and delivery.

RTD also says new free two-hour parking zones are being introduced along Colfax and side streets. Those zones do not mean every curbside space has the same limit. The access change matters to a district that has been discussing construction: the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District’s February meeting minutes record discussion of its effects on businesses.

Finding the bus stop

The center bus lanes run from Broadway to Colorado Boulevard, but RTD specifies center-platform boarding between Pennsylvania Street and Colorado Boulevard. Riders on Routes 15 and 15L will still board and pay at the front door and may exit through any door. For a customer taking the bus to a storefront, the important distinction is where center-platform boarding begins—not just where the bus-only lanes begin.