This just announced: the third-busiest airport in the U.S.A., Denver International Airport (known locally as DIA, but to the rest of the world as DEN), has plans to create walkways so that passengers will have an option to reach its concourses if the connector trains aren’t running, which has been a frequent problem.
The “Train to the Gates” system has experienced 262 breakdowns over the past two years, with a notable shutdown back in March. All passengers must clear Security in the main Terminal, before proceeding to either Concourse A, B, or C. Of those, the train is currently the only way to reach B or C. Concourse A can be reached either by the train, or by walking on the sky bridge that connects it to the Terminal. There used to be a separate Security screening area on that bridge, but it was discontinued more than a year ago. Getting to B or C isn’t so easy if the Train isn’t running.
DIA has labyrinthine tunnels running underground, where baggage and vehicles move, but currently, no pedestrians are permitted. A plan to design 17-foot wide underground walkways to the Concourses will now be developed this year, and construction will commence in 2027. There might be moving sidewalks, but no vehicles.
It’s 1/3 of a mile from the Terminal to Concourse A, then another 1/3 of a mile to Concourse B, and an additional 1/3 of a mile to Concourse C, all in a straight line. If the Train’s not running, it could mean walking up to a mile to reach your Concourse, then a further hike to get to your gate. The walkway will cost $300 to $700 million to put it through the existing underground tunnels, and might be ready in 2028.