DENVER — Five new members of the Denver City Council were sworn in Monday morning, and later that day, the council approved a contract to expand Peña Boulevard.
The expansion, which would cost more than $93 million and add three lanes in each direction near Denver International Airport, was approved in a vote of 11-1 with one member abstaining, according to a tweet. There would be two lanes for cars and one lane for buses.
Chris Hinds, the newly elected council member for District 10, abstained from voting, saying it was too soon for him to weigh in on such a big decision, having not been involved in the process earlier.
Candi CdeBaca, who defeated Albus Brooks to represent District 9, was the sole no vote. She argued that the money would be better spent to support and develop other modes of transportation.
The vote was scheduled for last week but was delayed so the new council members could vote.
Outgoing council member Rafael Espinoza had said the decision should be made by the council that will deal with the impacts for the next four years.
Phase one of the project will encompass the stretch between Jackson Gap and the terminal. DIA spokesperson Emily Williams said this is the only phase that has been developed and funded, and there will likely be more studies before the remaining phase.
Design on the project starts this month and will last for a year. Construction is slated for January 2020 to May 2022, with a completion date of May 30, 2022, according to Williams.
The contract is for $93,479,841.20, and in addition to expanding Pena Boulevard, will also fund a new ground transportation holding lot.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Next with Kyle Clark