Denver, it could have been worse.
Just ask Boston.
Mayor John Hickenlooper and his staff Wednesday unveiled the road closures for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Judging from the mass closures in Boston in 2004, and even Manhattan to a certain extent that same year, the magnitude of closures here could have been greater.
The city, as the mayor admitted, “lucked out,” given Pepsi Center’s location tucked into the Platte Valley. Major highways won’t need to be closed for the bulk of the convention, like Interstate 93 was shut down in Boston.
Hickenlooper was tight-lipped, however, about the still-developing plans for the convention’s final night when Sen. Barack Obama takes his act to Invesco Field. It’s not hard to imagine I-25 closing down, at least for a few hours, that night, but no final decisions have been made.
Speer Boulevard, a major thoroughfare, will shut down from Interstate 25 to Lawrence Street Monday through Wednesday, except for morning rush hour. Auraria Parkway from I-25 to Speer will be closed entirely from Monday through Wednesday.
Residents and businesses along the impacted routes will have access, which is good news. And light rail will continue as normal, except the stretch between Pepsi Center and Union Station, which is reserved for delegates.
Denver worked out these plans in collaboration with state and federal agencies, including the Secret Service, to ensure the smoothest flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
The city is recommending alternative routes for commuters, and all of it can be a little head-spinning, but in a very smart move, the city will set up various resources — telephone lines and online map sources — so folks can get specific, real-time traffic information. We especially like the availability of map updates to give us a visual on what streets are closed and suggested alternate routes.
Over the next few weeks, the city also will lead community forums to talk about DNC preparations and hear concerns from residents, employers and others affected by the convention.
“I’m not saying it’s without inconvenience, but it’s very modest,” Hickenlooper said.
We know there will be traffic problems, despite the mayor’s sunny disposition. (Have we mentioned the daily protest parades from Civic Center down to the Pepsi Center?) But that’s a price to pay for hosting a premier event that will bring the international spotlight to our city.
The mayor and his team have put together what appears to be a reasonable comprehensive traffic-flow plan — on paper — and have a plan to tell constituents what’s afoot.
It’s a good start.
