Denver International Airport has announced it will open a new Jackson Gap Street traffic pattern at Peña Boulevard, easing congestion for drivers traveling to and from shuttle lots and rental car centers.

The new “diverging diamond interchange,” which is set to open Saturday evening, shifts the direction of traffic on Jackson Gap Street and will improve safety and allow for future growth in the area, airport officials said in a statement.

The design reduces risk to drivers by eliminating left turns across oncoming traffic.

“Our new diverging diamond interchange on Jackson Gap will improve traffic conditions along a critical section of the Peña Boulevard travel corridor,” Airport CEO Phil Washington said. “The new configuration offers a more efficient traffic flow and will greatly reduce delays for area drivers and rental car facility shuttle buses. This is an exciting infrastructure milestone within our Vision 100 strategic plan to serve 100 million annual passengers in the coming years.”

The new interchange is part of a larger Peña Boulevard corridor improvement project focused on sections between E-470 and the terminal.

The full program includes improvements to the entire Peña Boulevard corridor from I-70 to the terminal in upcoming years. 

The work will be phased into smaller projects, focusing on critical areas first. 

Plans for improvements along a section of Peña Boulevard between I-70 and E-470 are currently undergoing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, which must be completed prior to starting design or construction. 

The section of Peña Boulevard between E-470 and Jackson Gap Street is about to begin design to reconstruct the original pavement and to straighten inbound (heading to DEN) Peña Boulevard. 

This work is intended to replace aging infrastructure and increase safety.

The $12 million interchange project began in April 2024. 

Airport officials note that the opening is weather-dependent and travelers should check for alerts at the top of FlyDenver.com for updates.