Sept. 11, 2026, update:
Next week, crews will continue the water main installation along Santa Fe Drive from West 8th Avenue to West 9th Avenue.
Santa Fe Drive will be fully closed between West 8th Avenue and West 9th Avenue from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the end of each workday, the trench will be patched with asphalt before the road reopens.
If work proceeds as planned, construction between West 9th and West 10th avenues is expected to begin in early October. Construction between West 10th and West 11th avenues is expected to begin in early November.
Businesses will remain open, and local access will be maintained during construction. Visitors should use available side street access and follow posted signage.
Commuters should expect delays and follow the signed detour route: east on West 6th Avenue to Speer Boulevard, then north to West 13th Avenue and back west to Santa Fe Drive.
About the project
Denver Water is replacing more than 2,800 linear feet of aging pipes — called water mains — beneath the Santa Fe Drive from West 7th to West 12th avenues. The work is taking place in coordination with the City and County of Denver’s Santa Fe Streetscape Improvements project.
Denver Water crews are starting work at West 7th Avenue and moving north in one- to two-block increments. Work will occur Monday through Friday, from approximately 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some weekend work will also be required, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No work will occur during First Friday Art Walks.
Denver Water will provide regular project updates via email. Sign up for our newsletter to receive project updates.
Residents and businesses in the construction zone will receive additional notifications with information about specific impacts they may experience.
Due to Denver Water pipe replacement work along Santa Fe Drive, through traffic will be detoured around the construction zone. Follow posted detour signs via Speer Boulevard and West 6th Avenue. Local access will be available as the project progresses.
Project FAQs
Denver Water is replacing this 136-year-old water main now because the pipe is nearing the end of its useful life and the timing aligns with the City and County of Denver’s Santa Fe Streetscape Improvements project. Completing this work now avoids future construction beneath newly improved streets and reduces the risk of future breaks, while protecting water quality and improving service reliability.
Denver Water’s pipe replacement work will start in August 2026, after First Friday, and is expected to be completed by late 2026. Schedules may change due to weather, material availability or emergency work.
First Friday Art Walks will continue as planned. During those weeks, Denver Water’s construction will take place Sunday through Thursday, with crews keeping streets and walkways open, safe and accessible for visitors and businesses.
Crews will work in one- to two- block increments at a time and will dig a trench to install the new pipe. Once installed, the pipe will be tested to confirm there are no leaks and that it meets water quality standards. Crews will then connect the new pipe to the existing water supply system.
Yes. Businesses will remain open throughout construction.
Crews will maintain safe access to businesses during construction hours, which will typically be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some weekend work required. No work will occur on First Fridays.
Construction requires a full closure on sections of Santa Fe Drive during working hours. Check back for updates or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on road closures.
The project will include planned water outages. Denver Water will notify affected customers in advance with details about the date and duration of the outage, as well as ways to prepare.
While unlikely, emergency water shut-offs may also occur. If this happens, crews will work directly with affected customers.
When Denver Water crews begin work, the trench will be patched with asphalt, and the road will be drivable before reopening each night. The City and County of Denver’s contractor for streetscape improvements will begin its work after Denver Water begins the pipe replacement. As additional contractors mobilize to the area, roadway closures may be extended. More information will be provided as details become available.
Temporary sidewalk repairs will remain in place until the city begins its streetscape project, when permanent sidewalk and concrete improvements are planned.
Landscaping that is disturbed during construction is typically restored April through October and may be delayed until the next planting season.
We understand construction can be disruptive. You can find information in English and Spanish that answers commonly asked questions and shares practical ideas to help minimize disruptions for business owners.
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 WaterUdoing@denverwater.org or visit denverwater.org/Construction for more information.
For emergencies or urgent inquiries after hours, call 303-628-6801.