Pena Station

Building the Next Generation of Smart Transportation

Denver, CO

When Denver envisioned creating the “smartest road ever built in all of Colorado,” the challenge required more than traditional construction expertise – it demanded innovation, precision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Pena Station project transformed 64th Avenue and Salida Street into a cutting-edge infrastructure showcase, combining municipal roadways, recreational spaces, and revolutionary smart technology.

This ambitious $8.5 million infrastructure initiative encompassed the construction of city roads destined for Denver municipal ownership, alongside a public park that would serve the growing community. However, the project’s crown jewel was the private smart road, featuring an intricate network of underground electrical systems designed to power data-connected light poles capable of providing free Wi-Fi throughout the corridor.

The technical complexity of this undertaking cannot be overstated. The underground electrical infrastructure required extraordinary precision and expertise, as data cables were meticulously routed to each light pole location. This smart technology integration represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, creating connectivity infrastructure that positions the area for future technological advancement.

One of the project’s most distinctive construction elements involved integral colored concrete combined with specialized staining techniques – an uncommon application that required careful testing and expertise to achieve the desired aesthetic results. This innovative approach demonstrates the project team’s willingness to explore new methods while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Despite the technical challenges and complexity, the 22-month construction timeline was met with remarkable precision. The project team demonstrated exceptional dedication during critical phases, particularly during winter concrete pours and paving operations. Extended workdays, often continuing until 10 PM, ensured that weather constraints wouldn’t compromise the delivery schedule.

The collaborative effort extended from project management to field laborers, with everyone contributing to the ground thaw operations necessary for winter construction. This unified approach exemplified the teamwork required for such an innovative infrastructure project.

While the smart road technology awaits activation, the completed infrastructure stands ready to serve as a model for future intelligent transportation systems throughout Colorado. The project successfully merged traditional municipal construction with cutting-edge technology, creating a foundation for enhanced connectivity and community development.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Civil – Roads & Infrastructure
Cost: $6,991,659.00
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build / Hard Bid, CM as Constructor
Owner: JR Engineering LLC
Architect: JR Engineering LLC