DEN Wants Public Input on the Future of Peña Boulevard Before Designs Are Finalized
DENVER, CO — Denver International Airport is asking the public to help shape the future of one of Colorado's busiest transportation corridors as planning continues for long-term improvements to Peña Boulevard.
Daytime Rush Hour Along Peña Blvd | Sourced from DEN Peña NEPA & Design Project Information
The Peña NEPA & Design Project is evaluating potential upgrades along the primary route connecting Interstate 70 to Denver International Airport. The effort is part of the federally required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which evaluates potential environmental impacts before projects can move into final design and construction. Planning and preliminary design are expected to take about two years, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2028.
The project comes as travel demand along the corridor continues to increase. Peña Boulevard was constructed more than 30 years ago, and average daily traffic has grown by approximately 80% since then. Today, peak traffic volumes exceed 139,000 vehicles per day as the corridor serves airport passengers, employees, freight traffic, and surrounding communities.
Earlier this year, DEN completed the public scoping phase of the project, gathering feedback from nearly 6,000 survey participants, 955 open house attendees, more than 7,800 written comments, and 17 stakeholder interviews. That input identified several priorities, including improving safety, reducing congestion, providing more reliable airport access, expanding travel options, and accommodating continued growth throughout the corridor.
The Peña NEPA & Design Project Area | Sourced from DEN Peña NEPA & Design Project Information
The project has now advanced into the Alternative Development & Screening phase, where planners are evaluating potential solutions before selecting a preferred alternative by the end of 2026. Concepts currently under consideration include managed lanes, collector-distributor roads that separate airport and local traffic, interchange improvements, expanded transit options, and enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists. No preferred alternative has been selected at this time.
As part of the next phase, DEN is inviting residents to review the proposed concepts and provide feedback during a public open house on Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, located at 4890 Argonne Way in Denver. Food, childcare, American Sign Language interpretation, and Spanish interpretation will all be available for attendees.
Those unable to attend in person can continue participating through the project's online open house, available through July 31. For more information or to provide input, DEN encourages residents to email the project team at PenaPlan@flydenver.com.
The preferred alternative is expected to be identified by the end of this year before the project advances into detailed environmental review and final design. If approvals continue as anticipated, construction could begin as early as 2028.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
4 minute read • Denver International Airport is seeking public feedback on proposed improvements to Peña Boulevard before a preferred design is selected. Learn how to participate before July 31.