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Project Updates
Posted 8/21/2024
Press Release
County Celebrates Early Completion of Landmark NE/SE Connector Roads Project
SANTA FE, NM – The Santa Fe County Public Works Department is pleased to announce the completion of the Northeast/Southeast Connector Roads Project. After a year and eight months of deliberate construction, the road was completed one month ahead of schedule. To celebrate this achievement, the largest county road project to date, Santa Fe County will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at the intersection of Falcon way and Avenida Del Sur (see map below).
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The ceremony will feature remarks by Santa Fe County Commission Chair, Hank Hughes (D-5), County Commissioner Anna Hansen (D-2), County Manager Gregory Shaffer, Public Works leadership, and other key partners who contributed to making this project a reality.
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The Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads Project represents 20 years of planning and implementation by Santa Fe County and the Santa Fe Metropolitan and Planning Organization (MPO). The project is designed to ease traffic congestion, aid in traffic flow, and allow for pedestrian and bicycle-friendly roads in the growing Community College district.
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Key features of the project features include:
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3 new roadway segments totaling 3.88 miles.
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6 new roundabouts
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6.4 miles of new trails and a new 22 parking space trailhead.
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7.6 miles of new bike lane.
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8,175 feet of new water line including new fire hydrants.
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2.5 miles of broadband infrastructure.
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The unwavering support of the Board of County Commissioners has been instrumental in securing the necessary funding to bring this project from concept to completion. The New Mexico Department of Transportation also played a crucial role, funding one-third of the project costs.
County Commission Chair, Hank Hughes underscored the significance of the project, stating, "The completion of this road system marks a significant milestone for our community, greatly enhancing travel efficiency to and from the Community College district. This project not only improves connectivity but also supports the county's growth area and educational hub".
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Thanks to meticulous planning, strong execution by the project team, and the public’s patience, sections of the road—such as Rabbit Road—were opened early, alleviating traffic through Oshara Village and allowing for the timely completion of the remaining segments.
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We invite residents, partners, and members of the media to join us for this exciting Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! Following the event, the road will be officially open to traffic.
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For more information contact Mike Hart, Project Manager 3 at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Falcon Way
Falcon Way
Posted 6/26/2024
Press Release
County Announces Opening of Dinosaur Trail to the Richards Avenue Roundabout for
NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project
Santa Fe, NM - On Friday, June 28, 2024, at 9:00 AM, the contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will open Dinosaur Trail at Churchill Road to the Richards roundabout. This work has been completed two weeks ahead of schedule and marks the end of the detours required for the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project.
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The next major milestone will be the opening of the entire project, which includes the completed Falcon Way, Avenida Del Sur, and the connector road from the Oshara subdivision to Falcon Way. Project completion is scheduled for September 2024.
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For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Mike Hart, Project Manager III at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 6/21/2024
County Announces Official Opening of Rabbit Road on June 5, 2024
Press Release
Santa Fe, NM - The Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) is pleased to announce the official opening of Rabbit Road, marking a significant milestone in the NE/SE Connector Roads Project, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM. After overcoming delays due to resource shortages, we are excited to finally open this roadway to the public.
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The completion of Rabbit Road is particularly important for residents in Oshara Village. This new road will alleviate traffic through the community and improve travel times. The enhanced traffic flow will boost overall connectivity within the Community College District while protecting residential areas from traffic disturbances. To ensure safety, motorists are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits and exercise caution while driving on the newly opened road.
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SFCPWD extends its gratitude to the community for their patience and understanding during the delay. We are committed to investing in public infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing community.
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For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Mike Hart, Project Manager III at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 5/24/2024
Press Release
Oshara Village Alleviated of Traffic with Opening of Rabbit Road for the NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project
Santa Fe, NM- Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) is pleased to announce the opening of the entire length of Rabbit Road from South Saint Francis Drive to the Richards Avenue roundabout, completing the next milestone in the NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project. Beginning Friday, May 31, 2024, this improvement will provide a more direct route to the Community College District, eliminating the need for travel through the Oshara community and enhancing overall traffic flow in the area.
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As part of this ongoing project, the contractor for the County will temporarily close Dinosaur Trail at Churchill Road beginning Tuesday, June 4, 2024. This closure is necessary to connect Dinosaur Trail to the Richards Avenue roundabout as part of the new roadway infrastructure. The closure will last approximately six weeks, during which traffic will be routed through a temporary detour.
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SFCPWD and the contractor assures residents and motorists that all necessary traffic control measures and advance messaging will be in place to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience. Motorist should account for increased travel time, avoid speed, and exercise caution while navigating detours. Work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions and traffic control.
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This milestone represents a significant step forward in enhancing Santa Fe County's Road infrastructure and improving connectivity for Community College residents, students, and workers. Santa Fe County thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation during this essential phase of the project.
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For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Mike Hart, Project Manager III at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 4/16/2024
Press Release
Santa Fe County Announces Temporary Closure of Rabbit Road to Complete Roundabout to Falcon Way for NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project
Santa Fe, NM- Beginning Monday, April 22, 2024, the Contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will begin the construction of the Rabbit Road connection to the Southeast Connector, recently named Falcon Way, and also providing the tie into Oshara Boulevard via a new roundabout. To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Rabbit Road to Oshara Boulevard for approximately six (6) weeks and route traffic through a temporary detour. As part of this construction, the contractor is subject to provide adequate traffic control and advance messaging of this closure.
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Motorists should account for increased travel time, avoid excessive speed, and exercise caution while navigating detours. Work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions and traffic control.
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The SFCPWD and the Contractor apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank the public for their patience and understanding during the construction.
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For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Mike Hart, Project Manager III at mhart@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 3/12/2024
Press Release
Construction of NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project Resumes After Winter Suspension
Santa Fe, NM- Effective March 18, 2024, construction will resume on the Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads project after its winter suspension, Santa Fe County announced today.
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Construction will commence with road paving operations on the Northeast Connector east of Richards Ave. to existing Rabbit Road. Future phasing of work will be announced as work proceeds.
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Limited work continued, however, throughout the winter suspension (12-15-23 through 3-18-24) allowing for some drainage and concrete work to be completed. Additionally, approximately 50% of the broadband conduit and related infrastructure was installed. To date, approximately 95% of the earthwork and 85% of waterline and drainage culverts have been installed, with two of the six roundabouts open to traffic.
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Residents, please be aware that during paving operations on the Northeast Connector, public access within the work zones is strictly prohibited. Traffic control and barricades will also be in place along the following construction zones:
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Southeast Connector south of Rabbit Road to Ave del Sur.
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Ave Del Sur east of Richards Ave to the Southeast Connector.
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These work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions. Santa Fe County prioritizes constituent safety, urging all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to respect road closures and take precautions when navigating work zones.
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For more information, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager III at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 3/7/2024
Santa Fe County Announces Temporary Closure of Rabbit Road for NE/SE Connector Road(s) Project
Santa Fe, NM –– On Monday, March 11, 2024, the contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will install a segment of 12-inch waterline at the Rabbit Road intersection of the Northeast Connector, which is undergoing construction. To safely accommodate the waterline, it will be necessary to close a segment of Rabbit Road from 9:00am to 3:00pm and route traffic through a temporary detour. As part of this construction, the contractor is subject to providing adequate traffic control and advance messaging of this (6) hour closure.
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Work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions. Santa Fe County prioritizes constituent safety, and urges all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to respect road closures/detours and take precautions when navigating work zones.
For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager III at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 12/12/2023
Press Release
Construction of NE/SE Connector Road(s) in Santa Fe County Postponed for Winter Season
Santa Fe, NM- Santa Fe County Public Works announces the postponement of pavement and weather-sensitive construction for the Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads project beginning Friday, December 15, 2023. To date, approximately 90% of the earthwork and 85% of waterline and drainage culverts have been installed, with two of the six roundabouts open to traffic.
Santa Fe County Public Works will however continue to work during the winter months installing solar lighting, waterline, and drainage culverts on the Southeast Connector and Avenida Del Sur as weather permits. Public access within the work zones is strictly prohibited. Traffic control and barricades will be in place along the following construction zones:
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Northeast Connector west of Richards Ave to existing Rabbit Road.
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Southeast Connector south of Rabbit Road to Ave. Del Sur.
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Del Sur east of Richards Ave to the Southeast Connector.
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These work zones pose significant hazards to pedestrians and motorists if breached, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions. Santa Fe County prioritizes constituent safety, urging all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to respect road closures and take precautions when navigating work zones.
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Construction is expected to resume by the end of March 2024 or weather-permitting conditions.
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For more information and additional safety resources, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager 3 at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov
Posted 10/19/2023
Press Release
Richards Avenue at Dinosaur Trail Reopens Ahead of Schedule
SANTA FE, NM-The Santa Fe County Public Works Department is excited to announce an early opening of the newly constructed roundabout at Richards Avenue and Dinosaur Trail. Effective Friday, October 20, 2023, at 3:00pm Richards Avenue will be fully operational and open to traffic. This is the second of six roundabouts slated for the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project.
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While we are satisfied to reopen Richards Avenue in advance of schedule, we want to inform our residents that the west connection to Dinosaur Trail will be established at a later date. In the interim, the existing signalized intersection located south of this roundabout will remain in full operation to ensure consistent traffic flow. Moreover, the east connection to Rabbit Road is currently under construction and will be opened at a later date.
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On September 11, 2023, the contractor commenced work on this roundabout with the strict timeline to complete and reopen Richards Ave within (60) calendar days. Due to an aggressive schedule and optimum weather, this work was completed in (40) days.
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This is a great example of the commitment made by Santa Fe County to the community, to streamline any disruptions to traffic while we complete this important road project. Santa Fe County envisions the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads project as the most dynamic transportation conduit of the Community College District, strengthening connectivity and safety in this growing community.
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For additional information regarding the project, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager 3, at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov.
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For media-related queries, please contact Olivia Romo, Communications Coordinator, at orromo@santafecountynm.gov.
Posted 9/5/2023
Press Release
NOTICE - Beginning Monday, September 11, 2023, the contractor for Santa Fe County will begin construction of a roundabout at Richards Avenue, north of the Dinosaur Trail intersection for the NE/SE Connector Project. To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Richards Avenue.
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Richards Ave. will be closed immediately north of Dinosaur Trail extending north, to immediately south of Zinnia Lane (north of the I-25 southbound bridge). This closure will be in effect for up to 60 calendar days. During this time, Santa Fe County will provide detour and business access signage identifying alternative routes around the closure.
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In advance of the temporary closure on September 11, please be aware, that beginning on September 5, earth work will be occurring in the area and flagging operations will be instituted. While a closure is unnecessary for this work, minor traffic delays may occur.
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Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are advised to seek alternate routes and urged to allow additional time to accommodate the detours.
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For additional information regarding this project, please contact Santa Fe County Public Works at (505) 992-3010.
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Thank you for your patience, continued cooperation, and please use caution in the work zones.
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Press Release
First completed roundabout for NE/SE Connector Roads Project- Photo taken by Johnny Baca
Posted 7/20/2023
SANTA FE, NM-The Santa Fe County Public Works Department is excited to announce an early opening of the newly constructed roundabout at Richards Avenue and Ave del Sur. Effective today, at 5:30pm the roadway will be fully operational and open to traffic. This is the first of six roundabouts slated for the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project.
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In addition to this reopening, the Rancho Viejo trail connection located at the southwest quadrant of this intersection has also been completed and will officially reopen to pedestrian and bicycle traffic this afternoon. Please consider taking advantage of the new segment of trail during these long summer days and as always, please be safe.
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For additional information regarding the project, please contact Johnny Baca, Project Manager 3, at jpbaca@santafecountynm.gov
For media inquiries, please contact Olivia Romo, Communications Coordinator at orromo@santafecountynm.gov
Posted 5/5/2023
Notice – Beginning Monday, May 22, 2023, the Contractor for Santa Fe County Public Works Department (SFCPWD) will begin construction of the roundabout at the Richards Avenue and Avenida Del Sur intersection. To safely accommodate the construction, it will be necessary to close a segment of Richards Avenue and Avenida del Sur. Richards Avenue will be closed from south of the Santa Fe Community College main entrance to East Chili Line Road in the Rancho Viejo Subdivision. Avenida del Sur will be closed from Canada del Rancho to Richards Avenue. These closures will be in effect for up to 60 calendar days. During this time,
SFCPWD will provide detour and business access signage identifying alternative routes around the closures.
Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are advised to seek alternate routes and urged to allow additional time to accommodate the detours.
For additional information regarding this project, contact SFCPWD at (505) 992-3010.
Thank you for your patience, continued cooperation, and please use caution in the work zones.
Posted 4/8/2023
Updated 4/10/2023
Meeting Recording
Available - Click below
Posted 3/27/2023
Santa Fe County to Host Virtual Town-Hall on Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project
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SANTA FE, NM- Santa Fe County will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. to give an update on the progress of the Northeast and Southeast Connectors Roads Project. In response to numerous constituent inquiries regarding the development of the project, County Commissioner Hughes, District 5, has arranged and will moderate the respective public meeting.
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After twenty years of planning and implementation, the County began construction of the Northeast/Southeast Connector Road(s) Project (NE/SE Connector) after a celebratory ground-breaking ceremony on January 23, 2023. The NE/SE Connector is comprised of 3 new roadway segments contributing 3.88 miles of new multimodal infrastructure within the Santa Fe Community College District. The project is the County’s proactive strategy to alleviate the anticipated population growth in the area by providing alternative travel choices. The NE/SE Connector roads will improve the connectivity through the Community College area, will reduce traffic along Richards Avenue, and provide road options in the region that doesn’t exist currently.
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The meeting will feature Santa Fe County Public Works Director, Brian Snyder and Engineering Services Manager, Ivan Trujillo who will discuss the construction schedule, route impacts, trail closures, and the extension of Avenida del Sur. Staff will be accompanied by Matthew Nighbert, Transportation Technical Sector Director with Souder, Miller & Associates who is the design engineer for the project.
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To join the Webex meeting, click here: NE/SE Connector Town-Hall Webex Meeting Access; Meeting number: 2485 812 5354 and Password: SpBpGEbQ423
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Please fill free to leave a comment on the project comment page.
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For any further inquiries regarding the meeting, please contact Constituent Services Liaison,
Olivia Romo at orromo@santafecountynm.gov
Spur Trail Closure
Posted 2/14/2023
NOTICE the Spur Trail will be closed, at the locations shown below for the duration of construction. We will have your trail open as soon as construction is complete, and it is safe.
