Santa Fe is moving forward with the replacement of the aging Shelby Street pedestrian bridge, a project that has been in the works since the bridge’s closure in 2022. The construction, which began this week, aims to address the decaying structure while preserving the historic character of the downtown area. The Shelby Street bridge replacement is a significant undertaking for the city, balancing modern accessibility standards with the need to maintain Santa Fe’s unique aesthetic.
Crews with Heka Southwest are currently removing the old bridge, carefully dismantling the stone facade to be reinstalled on the new structure. This meticulous process is a requirement of the city’s Historic Districts Review Board, which has oversight due to the bridge’s location within Santa Fe’s historic district. The project’s timeline remains somewhat uncertain, as the new bridge is still in the fabrication stage, but city officials say they are working to expedite the process.
A Bridge with History
The current Shelby Street bridge was originally built in 1968, replacing an earlier timber bridge constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, according to city documents. The need for replacement stems from the bridge’s deteriorating condition, prompting the city to prioritize a project that ensures pedestrian safety and accessibility. The new bridge will be slightly wider to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, making it more inclusive for all residents and visitors.
Preserving the Past While Building for the Future
A key aspect of the project is the preservation of the bridge’s historic facade. The stones from the original structure are being carefully removed and will be incorporated into the new design, alongside newly crafted stones designed to match the original as closely as possible. This approach reflects Santa Fe’s commitment to maintaining its architectural heritage while upgrading infrastructure. The Historic Districts Review Board’s involvement underscores the importance of balancing preservation with progress.
Challenges and Timeline
The project has faced some delays due to the complex requirements of working within a historic district. Scott Overlie, Parks and Open Space Project Manager for the City of Santa Fe, explained that the various processes involved have contributed to the project’s length. “We have a lot of different processes that we have to proceed through because of the location of the bridge,” Overlie said. Despite these challenges, the city is committed to completing the project as quickly as possible.
As of February 28, 2026, an installation date for the new bridge remains to be determined, pending the completion of fabrication. City officials are continuing to work with contractors to expedite the process and provide updates to the public as they become available. Residents can expect continued construction activity at the intersection of East Alameda and Shelby streets as crews work to remove the old bridge and prepare for the installation of the new one.
Stakeholder Impact
The closure of the Shelby Street bridge has impacted pedestrian traffic in the area, requiring detours and adjustments for residents and visitors. The new bridge is expected to alleviate these issues and improve accessibility to downtown Santa Fe. Local businesses may also benefit from increased foot traffic once the bridge is reopened. The project aims to minimize disruption during construction while delivering a long-term improvement to the city’s infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
The City of Santa Fe will continue to provide updates on the Shelby Street bridge replacement project as it progresses. Residents can find more information on the city’s website and through local news outlets. The next key milestone is the completion of the bridge fabrication, which will allow for a firm installation date to be established. The city remains dedicated to delivering a safe, accessible, and historically sensitive pedestrian bridge for the community.
The completion of the Shelby Street bridge replacement will be a welcome addition to Santa Fe’s infrastructure, enhancing pedestrian access and preserving the city’s unique character. This project exemplifies the city’s commitment to balancing progress with preservation, ensuring a vibrant and accessible downtown for years to come.
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