What should Peña Boulevard look like in the coming years?
Traffic on Peña has grown by more than 80% since it was first built more than 30 years ago, according to Denver International Airport (DIA) project manager Lisa Nguyen. And that number is only expected to grow as the airport plans to reach 100 million passengers in the coming decade.
Plus, other growth in the area, including a new Pepsi plant, a potential Coca-Cola plant and a massive United Airlines expansion, add to worries about Peña Boulevard's capacity.
In 2019, DIA spent $93 million to widen part of the highway closest to the airport. Now, airport officials are looking to further manage growing traffic on the highway leading to the airport.
But how?
Initial plans call for spending at least $263 million adding toll lanes. Supporters of that approach say faster traffic will mean fewer stalled cars and decreased emissions. But other research shows that expanded highways can increase traffic by attracting more drivers. Opponents want the city to focus its efforts on expanding and improving Regional Transportation District's (RTD) A-Line service as a way to manage capacity.
Nearly 300 people signed a petition from the Denver Bicycle Lobby to Mayor Mike Johnston last week asking him to withdraw a city request for $5 million in federal funds to fund the expansion and to instead put money toward the Broadway bike lane stretching from Speer Boulevard to Civic Center.
So what do you think?
For the second time this year, DIA is hosting a round of community feedback throughout August and September. Here is where you can catch airport officials and let them know what you think:
- Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
- Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market
You can also watch DIA's presentation here, and submit comments online here through Sept. 7.
Editor's note: This article and its headline have been updated to clarify that the petition from Denver Bicycle Lobby is directed at a bike lane from Speer Boulevard to Civic Center.
