Santa Fe community discusses bridge reconstruction and design alternatives

The H-Board Committee Meeting held by the City Council of Santa Fe on July 9, 2025, focused primarily on the future of a local bridge that has become a topic of community concern. Several speakers expressed their views on the proposed renovations and the associated costs.

A retired contractor emphasized the importance of the bridge, stating, "Everybody loves that bridge," and questioned whether enough effort was being made to address its repair. He suggested that a timeline of three weeks and a budget cut in half could lead to a satisfactory resolution.

John Penn Lafarge, a local resident, echoed concerns about the estimated cost of one million dollars for the bridge's renovation. He highlighted the bridge's contribution to the charm and character of downtown Santa Fe, contrasting it with newer buildings that lack local architectural style. Lafarge advocated for option number two, which aims to replace the bridge while maintaining its original appearance.

Other committee members supported the idea of rebuilding the bridge to closely resemble its current design. They raised questions about the necessity of increasing the bridge's width and length, suggesting that a width of five feet might suffice for accessibility needs. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the proposed height of the new bridge, particularly in relation to safety regulations for guardrails.

The discussions reflect a community deeply invested in preserving the unique character of Santa Fe while balancing modern safety and accessibility standards. The committee's next steps will likely involve further evaluation of the proposed plans and costs associated with the bridge renovation.