Denver Kicks Off Santa Fe Streetscape Improvements Project in August

Denver Kicks Off Santa Fe Streetscape Improvements Project in August

Published on July 29, 2026

DENVER - The Vibrant Denver Bond Program is partnering with Denver Water, Xcel Energy, and Hamon Infrastructure to deliver large-scale infrastructure and streetscape improvements to Santa Fe Drive between West 6^th and West 13^th avenues. The Santa Fe Streetscape Improvement Project, approved by voters in November 2025 and based on extensive community input, will improve the pedestrian experience on the corridor, increase safety while maintaining mobility, and enhance the identity, history, and culture of the area.

"These improvements are about so much more than infrastructure, they are about creating a safer, more welcoming Santa Fe Drive for everyone. Wider sidewalks, better lighting, improved intersections, and public art will make it easier for people to walk, connect with local businesses, and enjoy everything this corridor has to offer. This investment is a meaningful step toward strengthening our community for years to come," said Jackie Bouvier, Executive Director, Santa Fe Business Improvement District.

Hamon Infrastructure, Denver Water, and Xcel Energy will coordinate their work to minimize disruption and reduce the overall duration of construction impacts. Denver Water will be first on site in August, starting work to replace an aging water main. Streetscape improvements led by Hamon Infrastructure, and Xcel utility relocations and upgrades that will support lighting improvements on the corridor, will follow starting in September 2026.

Water Main Replacement (www.denverwater.org/santafe)

Starting the week of August 10, Denver Water will begin work to replace a 136-year-old water main on Santa Fe Drive, starting at 7th Avenue and progressing north to 12^th Avenue in one- to two-block increments. The water main replacement work will require crews to close Santa Fe to through-traffic north of 6^th Avenue during work hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. This schedule is intended to minimize impacts to morning commutes. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Detour information

During street closure hours, drivers headed north on Santa Fe will be detoured to West 6th Avenue, east to Speer Boulevard, north to West 13th Avenue, and west back to Santa Fe Drive (see attached map).

Water main replacement work is expected to wrap in early 2027, at which point one lane will reopen to traffic and remain open through the duration of the project. The full project is expected to be completed in 2028.

First Friday events will continue without interruption during all phases of construction.

About the Santa Fe Streetscape Improvement Project (www.denvergov.org/santafe)

This Vibrant Denver Bond project is making pedestrian, mobility, and safety improvements on Santa Fe Drive from 6^th to 13^th avenues, installing wider sidewalks, upgrading drainage, improving intersections, and adding new street lighting, significantly more trees and planters, and public art while maintaining two lanes of travel and parking- all the result of a extensive design process previously completed with businesses and residents in this community.

The project team is committed to keeping businesses open and accessible during construction. Temporary access changes directly in front of entrances may be needed during work, but property owners and businesses will be notified in advance and closely coordinated with by the project team.

Contact Information

For questions about any of Denver Water's construction projects, contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You may also email [email protected] or visit denverwater.org/Construction for more information. For emergencies or urgent inquiries after hours, call 303-628-6801.

Visit Denvergov.org/santafe where you can sign up for streetscape project updates.

• Press release
• Transportation and Infrastructure