DEN Completes Diverging Diamond Interchange at Jackson Gap and Peña Boulevard
DENVER, CO – Travelers heading to and from Denver International Airport (DEN) will now experience smoother traffic flow thanks to the opening of a new diverging diamond interchange (DDI) at Jackson Gap Street and Peña Boulevard.
The $12 million project officially opened to drivers this week, marking a key milestone in the airport’s broader Peña Boulevard Corridor Improvements Program. The new design is expected to improve safety, reduce congestion, and better support future airport growth.
Photo Sourced from DIA Website
A New Traffic Design for DEN
The diverging diamond interchange temporarily shifts vehicles to the opposite side of the roadway as they pass through the intersection, allowing free left turns onto ramps and eliminating left turns across oncoming traffic. The result is a safer, faster movement pattern that significantly reduces conflict points and delay times.
The design is the first of its kind along Peña Boulevard and adds to the corridor’s ongoing modernization efforts. The reconfiguration also sets the stage for additional projects aimed at widening Peña and improving access between E-470 and the terminal.
Part of Peña Boulevard’s Long-Term Plan
This interchange is part of Phase 1B of DEN’s Peña Boulevard corridor improvements, a multi-phase initiative that will extend from I-70 to the terminal over the coming years. Phase 1B focuses on the section between E-470 and the terminal, including:
Reconstruction and widening of Peña Boulevard bridges over Jackson Gap Street
Direct-connect ramps linking terminal curbsides to New Castle Street and 78th Avenue
Pavement reconstruction and geometric improvements for safety and flow
Future phases will address the aging infrastructure north and south of this segment, guided by ongoing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies.
Schedule & Budget
Construction on the Jackson Gap interchange began in April 2024 and was completed on schedule and within budget. The DDI design not only improves daily traffic operations but also provides better access for shuttle buses, rental car facilities, and DEN employees who rely on the corridor.
The new interchange is now fully open to traffic.
Photo Sourced from DIA Website
Photo Sourced from DIA Website
Project Overview
Location: Jackson Gap Street & Peña Boulevard, Denver International Airport
Project Type: Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Cost: Approximately $12 million
Construction Start: April 2024
Completion: October 2025
Lead Agency: Denver International Airport
Program: Peña Boulevard Corridor Improvements (Phase 1B)
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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