As someone who’s lived here my whole life, I’ve definitely noticed Denver changing a lot over the years. More and more people seem to be moving in all the time, which is cool and all but it means way more cars on the streets. My morning commute used to take 30 minutes, easy. Now I’m lucky if I make it to the office in an hour!
Don’t even get me started on winter driving. As soon as the first big snow hits, it’s like everyone forgets how to drive in it overnight. A few inches and the whole city grinds to a halt. I’ve gotten stuck in whiteout conditions on I-70 more times than I can count – I always keep a bag with snacks, water, and extra clothes in my trunk now just in case.
Speaking of I-70, that freeway is the bane of my existence. Ski season is the absolute worst because everyone piles onto it trying to get to the mountains on weekends. I’ve spent Saturdays inching along at 5mph just praying I make it to my friends’ place in time for après ski. A few times I’ve thought “screw it” and turned around, it was so hopeless.
And it’s quite the same with Highway 285. I still remember when it was two lanes going both ways – anyone know how they decided it should be signed as north and south when it runs east to west? Total head-scratcher. Typical Denver not-quite-thought-through planning if you ask me.
Luckily more people are talking about real solutions nowadays instead of just expanding roads. Fixing Pena Boulevard and getting better public transit would do wonders for cutting down congestion. I’ll believe it when I see it though – hopefully, my grandkids will have an easier time getting around this city than I do now.
All frustrations aside, Denver is still the best place I’ve ever lived. The traffic may drive me crazy on a daily basis but it’s a small price to pay for the mountains, culture, and outdoor lifestyle. With any luck the city will keep growing smart instead of just big, and future generations won’t have to waste as much of their lives stuck in bumper-to-bumper commutes as I do.
HI, I’m Richard. Me and my wife are on a journey to show you all those special places in Denver and around it. I am also the guy with the camera, responsible for capturing each moment and giving you a hands-on experience.
