A rail system to Denver? CDOT says that may become reality.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission want to study on the feasibility of a rail system linking the entire Front Range, from Pueblo to Fort Collins.

"The RFP will study how a passenger rail system for this 173-mile corridor, which contains 85 percent of Colorado’s population, could support the state’s future growth and economy and benefit all Coloradans with sustainable, reliable travel choices," CDOT said in a statement Tuesday.

The study would also explore other transportation options along the Front Range, the statement said.

"To meet the growing needs of our state, Colorado needs a robust, energy efficient, sustainable transportation system that incorporates different modes of travel and provides more choices for the movement of people and goods,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “The Passenger Rail Commission and CDOT look forward to expediting our review of options through a streamlined environmental review process that accelerates delivery of results that will improve safe and efficient travel up and down the Front Range, and keep people and our economy moving.”

Growth along the Front Range will likely continue to explode in coming years; CDOT says it's expected to increase by 35 percent between 2020 and 2045, from 4.9 million to 6.6 million.