Denver International Airport unveils redevelopment plans

Concept designs for Denver International Airport's (DIA) South Terminal Redevelopment Program have been unveiled by Spanish star-architect Santiago Calatrava.

The project, one of the largest in the US, includes construction of a signature rail bridge, a terminal train station, a 500-room hotel, conference centre and "multi-function civic plaza", which will include retail units and restaurants.

The rail station, plaza and hotel will form a "highly integrated and dynamic complex", located directly south of the Jeppeson Terminal.

At present DIA is one of the few major airports in the world without a passenger rail link to the downtown city core.

To provide local, regional, national and international customers with a modern transportation hub that is more efficient and comfortable, Mr Calatrava and DIA are collaborating with the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) to provide a signature bridge and terminal station as part of the new commuter rail service between DIA and downtown Denver's Union Station.

In conjunction with RTD's FasTracks US$ 1.3 billion East Corridor, the South Terminal Redevelopment Program is expected to create more than 6600 jobs and is scheduled for completion in 2016.

East Corridor

The East Corridor is a 22.8 mile (36.7 km) commuter rail transit corridor between Denver Union Station and Denver International Airport.

The Preferred Alternative of electrified commuter rail will extend from Denver Union Station in downtown Denver to Denver International Airport. The line has five intermediate stations, located at 38th/Blake, Colorado, Central Park, Peoria, and 40th/Airport.

Final Design is scheduled to begin in 2010 with construction scheduled to begin in 2011. The line is expected to open in 2015.

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) comment period ended on October 7, 2009.