DENVER — Two of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods will be getting a transportation face-lift that some say will trigger widespread changes for those areas. The improvements will connect Globeville and Sunnyside to commuter rail downtown via the Platte River trail.

Like pieces of a puzzle coming together, “It will be a big change and it’s an exciting place to have an office,” said Robin Lockwood, who works at Eagle Environmental in Sunnyside.

She first saw a pedestrian bridge go up over 38th Avenue two years ago. Now, a new paved sidewalk.

“Before it was just dirt,” she said.

Next up, a new commuter rail station at West 41st Avenue and Fox Street.

Improvements have simplified the commute for Lockwood from her home in downtown Denver to her office at West 41st Avenue and Inca Street.

“To drive, it takes five to 10 minutes. And I can walk here in 10 minutes,” she said.

And on a bike, she said it’s even quicker than driving. They are all pieces to solve the transportation problems for residents of the Globeville and Sunnyside neighborhoods.

“We want to make sure people are getting around no matter what mode of transportation they use, whether that’s walking, riding a bike, or taking transportation,” said Heather Burke with Denver Public Works.

For Lockwood’s dog, Ranger, the preferred mode of transport is walking as he takes his leash into his mouth. But for most, the changes are bringing even more than easy commutes.

“It will be interesting to see how it changes the neighborhood. I know developers are real excited about this area. I think you will start to see a lot of changes — not as industrial, more restaurants and apartments,” Lockwood said.

Lighting along the path will go up in a few weeks. And commuter rail will be ready to go in the fall.