Milestones Icon: U.S. Highway 36

A toll road from 1952 to 1967, U.S. Highway 36, which opened in 1952, was the first direct connection between Denver and Boulder, running through Broomfield.

Known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, the stretch of road initially was tolled, and after two months almost 4,000 cars used it each day.

Today, more than 80,000 vehicles travel daily on U.S. 36.

The land surrounding the highway was almost completely undeveloped when the highway was built. Nowadays, cities like Westminster and Broomfield are large developing hubs of business. Boulder saw an almost immediate increase in population after the highway opened. The city grew by about 20,000 people between 1950 and 1960, according to city data.

As highway use increased, toll revenue grew and on Sept. 14, 1967, the Denver-Boulder Turnpike became free and part of U.S. 36, and the toll booths were removed.

Today there is a motion to widen the highway. Increasing populations along the Denver-Boulder Corridor have caused traffic delays, and agencies like U.S. 36 Commuting Solutions are working with local governments and businesses to raise money.

Recently the U.S. 36 Preferred Alternative Committee, a 21-member group comprised of agency representatives, elected officials and technical staff from local jurisdictions, recommended a plan that includes specific suggestions for improving the highway.

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