The project is in the final phase which involves excavating and reconstructing the new roadway. To minimize impacts on local businesses, the paving work has been divided into two-week segments, shown on the attached schedule.
During excavation in this historic area of our ancient City, the project team has and may continue to uncover bones and failed infrastructure, which necessitates a temporary halt in construction activities. The team coordinates rapidly with utility companies, archeologists and historic staff to resolve these issues promptly and remain on track with the published schedule. Check the Orange Barrel Report for the latest update.
Answer: The City of Santa Fe recognized that the original design of Guadalupe Street—developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a four-lane, 65-foot-wide corridor built to highway standards—was focused on moving vehicle traffic through this corridor.
However, the North Guadalupe district is important not just as a vehicle route, but as a vibrant local business district , much like the Plaza. The new street is designed with people as the priority, transforming the road from a thoroughfare into a destination.
Read more about the genesis of this project: Guadalupe Street Construction page.
This project is led by the City, funded entirely with federal funds and being overseen by the state and federal agencies.
The City of Santa Fe is actively exploring ways to support local business owners that are legal and equitable.
Safety for users of this corridor is the primary purpose of this project and safety is a daily priority during construction. Safety during construction is ensured through contractual requirements to adhere to regulations, oversight by City staff and inspections by federal and state inspectors.
- This project will create an inviting, vibrant small business corridor that both visitors and locals will frequent more than ever before. With beautiful landscaping and wide sidewalks, the district will be an inviting place to dine and shop.
- Studies show that walkable, bike-friendly, and slower streets boost business—especially in historic downtown areas. Additionally, compliance with mandated ADA requirements helps ensure that the area is highly accessible for all.
- Additionally, the city of Santa Fe Code requires property owners to keep sidewalks clear of obstructions and in good condition. The sidewalks in this area were in need of repair, and through this project, the city of Santa Fe is completing those improvements—so businesses are not burdened with the cost or responsibility.
Pavement work expected to compete according to schedule attached. For weekly updates on construction progress and detours, see the Orange Barrel Report.
- Local businesses are always involved in the planning of roadway projects and have been engaged on this project for over 5 years. Yes, city of Santa Fe Code and federal and state funders require public engagement in roadway project development.
- The Office of Economic Development (OED) is planning to form a working group focused on Guadalupe Street. To help us understand how businesses would like to participate moving forward, please share your input by completing this survey. Thank you four feedback!
Business owners raised concerns with their District Representative Councilors about high vehicle speeds and safety issues along North Guadalupe Street. In response, the City of Santa Fe, with support from the Santa Fe MPO and additional assistance from the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), commissioned an engineering study called a Road Safety Audit.
The audit concluded that the old roadway design contributed to excessive speeds, and crashes and t and ultimately, the study deemed the corridor unsafe. Based on the audit's formal recommendations for reconstruction, the federal safety program funded redesign and reconstruction this stretch of Guadalupe Street.
The Road Safety Audit analyzed corridor crash data prior to the 2014 study. Also, the Santa Fe MPO added intersection crash data from 2010 through 2023. (Data Source: UNM/NMDOT Traffic Records Section)
340 crashes occurred at the analyzed intersections during this period.
The average annual crash rate for these intersections was 27.6.
67 crashes (or 20%) resulted in injuries.
Crash data serves as a predictive tool to identify locations where future crashes are likely to occur. Once a city knows where and how people are likely to be injured or killed in crashes, inaction becomes both a moral and legal concern.
Public trust: Residents expect safe streets in the same way they expect access to clean water.
Before construction, the 85th percentile traffic speed was 30 MPH, despite a posted speed limit of 25 MPH. This means that 85 percent of vehicles were traveling at or below 30 MPH, while 15 percent were exceeding that speed. This data includes time spent stopped at intersections. Maintaining speeds at or below 25 MPH is essential to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all street users.