Santa Fe Standard

SANTA FE, NM – The Santa Fe County Public Works Department has announced the completion of the Northeast/Southeast Connector Roads Project. Completed one month ahead of schedule after a year and eight months of construction, this project marks the largest county road initiative to date. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Falcon Way and Avenida Del Sur.

The ceremony will include remarks from 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 involved in the project.

The Northeast and Southeast Connector Roads Project represents 20 years of planning by Santa Fe County and the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). It aims to ease traffic congestion, improve traffic flow, and create pedestrian and bicycle-friendly roads in the Community College district.

Key features of the project include:

- Three new roadway segments totaling 3.88 miles

- Six new roundabouts

- 6.4 miles of new trails and a new 22-space parking trailhead

- 7.6 miles of new bike lanes

- 8,175 feet of new water line including fire hydrants

- 2.5 miles of broadband infrastructure

The Board of County Commissioners' support was crucial in securing funding for this project. The New Mexico Department of Transportation also contributed significantly by funding one-third of the costs.

County Commission Chair Hank Hughes highlighted the project's importance: "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."

Due to meticulous planning and strong execution by the project team, sections such as Rabbit Road were opened early, alleviating traffic through Oshara Village.

Residents, partners, and media members are invited to attend the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Following the event, the road will be officially open to traffic.

For more information contact Mike Hart at mhart@santafecountynm.gov or visit www.sfcconnectors.com.