URGENT UPDATE: Nonprofits are calling on Denver International Airport (DIA) to prioritize public transit solutions over road widening on Peña Boulevard, the main access route to the airport. As congestion and safety issues escalate, advocates argue that expanding public transit is essential to protect the surrounding communities from increased air pollution.
Earlier today, several nonprofit organizations, including the Denver Streets Partnership, voiced their concerns amid DIA’s search for effective strategies to manage the rising traffic, which currently sees 139,000 vehicles daily—an alarming 80% increase since the road’s inception over 30 years ago.
Adrienne Razavi, organizing director of the Denver Streets Partnership, stated, “The more lanes there are, the more dangerous people drive — and so the more crashes that occur. It’s a lot less safe.” This urgent plea highlights the potential repercussions for historically underserved neighborhoods such as Montbello and Green Valley Ranch if the airport opts for widening the road, which could exacerbate air quality issues.
Advocates are recommending that DIA enhance public transit options, including expanding bus services and improving the A Line train service. Razavi emphasized that these changes could significantly alleviate traffic woes at a fraction of the cost of road expansion. “We think that transit has real viability there. There are a lot of improvements they can make,” she added.
The coalition is also suggesting exploring potential tolling on existing lanes to manage traffic flow more effectively. “We are, first and foremost, against highway widening, because research has shown that it is just not the right idea, especially for the climate goals,” Razavi noted.
DIA’s current plans have drawn scrutiny as the airport seeks public input on proposed upgrades to Peña Boulevard. Residents are encouraged to participate in a community survey, which closes on December 31, 2023. Razavi remarked, “If you build it, they will come—it’s the same for both solutions. You widen the highway — more people will drive. You build more transit, more people will take transit.”
The pressure is mounting for DIA to reconsider its approach as community voices grow louder in their demand for sustainable transit options. As the airport grapples with these challenges, the fate of Peña Boulevard remains uncertain. What happens next could set a precedent for how urban transit issues are addressed in rapidly growing areas.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
