Phase One of Sewer and Water Line Replacement Begins on Santa Fe Avenue

GRANTS, NM – A special projects public meeting was held on November 21 discussing the construction of the water and sewer lines on Santa Fe Avenue. Business owners and members of the community were encouraged to attend this meeting to ask questions regarding construction and receive information regarding the project. The total project is projected to be completed in 320 days, but that can increase if there are any issues.

Special Projects Manager Shannon DeVine began by acknowledging that there has been a lot of concern regarding the project. She said that despite this project needing to happen with all the issues regarding water and sewer lines in the area. DeVine also said hopefully that it doesn't impact the business owners and other individuals in the area as much as they think.

Currently, the project is in phase one, and construction has begun this week. The first phase of the project is the south side of Santa Fe Avenue. The majority of construction is on the shoulder of the road, but some will be in the middle of the road. They will begin by replacing sewer lines just past Iron Avenue and going up to 9/11 Avenue around 1912 Market. They will also be installing a water line down the south side of Santa Fe Avenue and taking it down Elkins Road. During construction, Wilson TLC Contractors said that they will be working in about 300 feet increments. It was said that this part of construction will last until around March 2024, depending on conditions. There will be no open trenches overnight, and they will be filled at night. It was also said that each 300 feet increment could take at least a week to complete. Both sides of Santa Fe Avenue will also not be worked on at the same time; the road being worked on will also have one lane open to allow traffic through, and both lanes on the side not being worked on will be open.

For businesses on Santa Fe Avenue, while construction is being completed in front of their business, they will not be able to have in-front parking. DeVine said, “We have talked with [TLC], and they are dedicated to making sure there is access for people to get into their business, and their parking blocks, but they can’t park on Santa Fe Avenue. And for deliveries.” As for deliveries, they want to work with businesses to make sure the construction doesn’t interfere with them. DeVine said, “We want to try to make sure business does run smoothly for you guys. TLC and the city are dedicated to making sure you guys get deliveries and things like that. Hopefully doing it in 300 sections does help you guys a lot, so it doesn’t impact you as much either.”

Grants MainStreet Project’s Executive Director William Yarborough asked whether traffic control will be active during construction. DeVine answered, “Yes, traffic control will be active throughout that time.” It was also said that with the 300 feet increments, there will be a rolling merge on the south side. By the time construction is completed, it was said that the shoulder of Santa Fe Avenue will be smooth and new. The impact of the water hooks up and the sewer hookup is said to not affect businesses or other buildings in the area for more than two hours. DeVine said that if there are any issues or concerns, they will let individuals know beforehand. The city and TLC will also be working with Grants MainStreet and the Chamber of Commerce to get any news or information out. For this project, the city and TLC want to make sure that it has a minimal impact on businesses and other organizations in the area.

For any questions or concerns regarding construction, individuals can call or text Shannon DeVine at 505-290-3722. The Cibola Citizen will work to keep individuals up to date with the construction as it progresses.