Denver International Airport's notorious train issues are about to get a major fix. The 'must-ride' train, which has been the only way to reach Concourses B and C since 1995, is being complemented by pedestrian walkways that offer an alternative way to get around Colorado's biggest hub.
The project, estimated to cost between $300 and $700 million, will start construction in 2027. A select number of existing underground baggage tunnels will be repurposed as footpaths, providing a much-needed 'relief valve' for travelers.
In preparation for the airport's expected 100 million annual visitors by 2030, officials have also invested $75 million in modernizing the airport trains. This upgrade aims to improve the overall passenger experience and reduce congestion.
The automated train has been the only way to reach Concourses B and C since 1995, except for a single pedestrian bridge to Concourse A at DEN. When the train fails, the airport's only backup is to shuttle tens of thousands of passengers via tarmac buses, causing gridlock at the terminal gates.
The sheer volume of modern air travel means the train can no longer safely act as a single point of failure. Over the years, flyers passing through DEN have endured hardship whenever a major train outage happens, resulting in missed flights and chaos at the airport.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has hailed the new project as a 'big win' for travelers and the community. The addition of walking tunnels will provide easier access to Concourses B and C, reducing the risk of passengers missing their flights.
United Airlines is one of the largest carriers operating out of DEN, with flights from two terminals that makes the train a constraint on passenger flow. Even minor malfunctions can slow service, increasing the risk of connecting passengers missing their next flight.
The new project will improve connectivity between concourses, reducing missed flights and gridlock at the airport. With the addition of walking tunnels, travelers will have a much-needed 'relief valve' to navigate the airport during peak hours.
The investment in modernizing the airport trains and adding walkable paths is a significant step towards improving Denver International Airport's infrastructure and passenger experience.
Improved connectivity will reduce missed flights and gridlock.
