by Jason Kruse, Principal / Managing Broker

For as long as most Longmont residents can remember, the drive to Boulder took about 25 minutes – reliable, predictable, and manageable. Recently? Closer to 45 minutes. Boulder has become a case study in America’s growing commuter crisis; it is truly a city that is driven by those that have to drive to it every day. Many of its workers live in neighboring cities like Longmont, Erie, and Louisville due to Boulder’s skyrocketing housing costs, excessive property taxes, and recent traffic constraints, making daily commutes the only option. The result of a challenging commute also affects where employers decide to lease space or purchase a building. I am seeing significantly more companies consider commercial real estate outside of Boulder for this reason. 

Since 1939, the Diagonal Highway (CO 119) has served as a vital lifeline offering a straight-shot between Longmont and Boulder. It’s the kind of infrastructure that allows a commuter-driven city like Boulder to function. In recent months, that lifeline is being tested. The CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project – intended to modernize the corridor – is causing delays and raising questions about how to properly balance progress, accessibility, and practicality in a region that relies heavily on the road.   

The Commute Crisis

Drawn by Boulder’s job market and outdoor appeal, more professionals from across the Front Range commute into the city each year. With average home prices exceeding $1 million, many workers are priced out and forced to drive. This results in packed rush hours, extended drive times, and growing frustration. These delays are more than an annoyance – they affect productivity, mental health, and time with family. Public transportation across Colorado remains limited, leaving cars as the only viable option for many. Additionally, many people are also choosing to avoid the commute entirely and are instead working from home. As Colorado’s population grows, the commute crisis has shifted from a personal hassle to a systemic challenge, demanding long-term investment and planning for mobility solutions. 

Financial Strain

Commuting is costly, and not just in reference to lost time. With gas prices in Boulder County around $3.16 per gallon and average fuel efficiency at 25 mpg, a daily round trip from Longmont to Boulder costs over $5 in gas, meaning more than $100 per month. That’s without factoring in maintenance, insurance, or lost time and productivity. There are few alternatives for avoiding such costs. Biking and busing sound ideal, but often are not practical due to weather, distance, limited transit routes, and time constraints. Without viable alternatives, the financial toll of commuting continues to climb – undermining the economic advantage of living outside Boulder. 

The Diagonal Bike Path – Promise or Problem?

In an effort to improve mobility and promote sustainability, Boulder County and CDOT launched the CO 119 Safety, Mobility, and Bikeway Project. Plans include a protected, paved 9-mile bikeway along the Diagonal Highway, improved Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, and safety improvements at intersections. On paper, it’s a forward-thinking solution offering greener commutes, reducing traffic accidents, and aligning with Boulder’s climate goals. 

But for commuters, the reality is more complex. Construction has already caused road closures and shifting traffic patterns, making commutes unpredictable and slow. While the vision of the project is admirable, questions arise about who will actually benefit. Will enough people switch to biking to justify the disruption and excessive price tag? Can a highway designed for speed accommodate slower, mixed-use travel without compromising its purpose? While well-intentioned, the project has triggered concerns of construction-related traffic delays, loss of car lanes, and an unclear benefit for the majority of commuters who don’t usually bike, which will become entirely unfeasible in winter. For now, it feels more like yet another obstacle on an overburdened route rather than a solution. 

Infrastructure Strain and Urban Growth 

Boulder’s situation offers a glimpse into a future the region may not be ready for. As the county’s population grows and jobs draw more workers, current infrastructure is already nearing its limits. Highways like the Diagonal, once sufficient, are increasingly overburdened and outdated. To remain economically viable and financially sustainable, Boulder must expand transportation infrastructure to meet the workforce’s needs. Businesses rely on stable, nearby workforces. Without affordable housing and efficient transportation, commercial real estate loses value, tenants struggle to retain employees, and the city’s growth and overall economic function stalls. Boulder needs an integrated approach: expanded road and transit systems, increased residential development, and smarter land use planning that balances sustainability with practicality and livability. Anything less than a carefully curated balance, and Boulder risks becoming a place where economic opportunity is choked by the very roads and highways meant to lead to it. 

Conclusion

As Boulder continues to grow, so do the challenges in commuting to and from this beautiful, promising city. What was once a manageable commute has become a daily struggle for thousands. Rising fuel costs, mounting traffic, and disruptive yet ambitious projects like the Diagonal Bikeway are forcing residents to reconsider what’s sustainable – environmentally, financially, and logistically. Forward-thinking transit is essential, but it must align with current needs of commuters. Boulder’s future depends on infrastructure that balances progress with practicality, offering viable options for everyone – whether they live two or twenty miles away.