The Era of Widening Roads to Accommodate More Traffic is No Longer Enough – METRO
As cities evolve, traditional transportation approaches are being tested.
The era of simply widening roads to accommodate more traffic is no longer enough. It's time to shift from a car-oriented approach to an options-oriented one, where cars are just one of many transportation choices.
This reimagining of how we move people and goods is crucial not only within urban centers but also in suburban areas, where nearly 70% of the population resides.
Rethinking (Sub)Urban Mobility
In 2022, Colorado’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) made a pivotal decision to halt the planned widening of I-25, a major artery for the region.
The move marks a significant shift in Denver’s urban mobility, driven by the need to tackle climate change and meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.
CDOT recognized that expanding highways could worsen congestion due to induced demand, where increased road capacity leads to more vehicles and higher emissions.
Additionally, highway expansion faces physical limits — roads have finite space, and as traffic grows, this space becomes increasingly constrained.
In response, CDOT is exploring alternative approaches to provide more sustainable transportation choices and better utilize available space.
