A plan to extend Interstate 25 through downtown Denver has been officially scrapped and in its place $100 million has been allocated to bus rapid transit (BRT) and other investments in walking and biking-friendly projects that support healthier, more vibrant communities. Expansion of the highway was opposite by transportation and environmental advocates, as well as neighboring communities already suffering from high air pollution and health impacts
A view of potential bus rapid transit in Denver, image courtesy of Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
The decision to shift the state’s investment priorities comes on the heels of Colorado’s recently passed decision greenhouse gas rule for transport planning. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) originally had two highway extensions in the Denver area included in its proposed 10-year plan — I-25 and Colorado State Highway 470 — but the department’s analysis found that these and other road projects exceeded the allowable pollution limits. would exceed . By removing the highway expansion projects and shifting funds to invest in public transportation, walking and cycling infrastructure, CDOTs revised plan is now in line with the requirements of the department for the reduction of greenhouse gases. The investments will also improve security in the region and significantly increase access to affordable and convenient low-carbon transport options.
Colorado’s approach to aligning transportation investments with emissions reduction targets has positioned the state to influence a related federal regulations currently underway. This alignment is necessary to ensure national implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports the nation’s pollution reduction goals, and to ensure that the law’s more than $600 billion investment in transportation infrastructure does not worsen. damage from the past as a result of the construction and expansion of highways.
More details on CDOT’s revised 10-year plan and the greenhouse gas rule can be found in my previous blog.
Thanks to NRDC.
Through Alana Miller
Featured Image Screenshot via Denver: include affordable housing if you want to build higher
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