Why does this keep happening at the same spot?

While this current sinkhole is on the same roadway, it is on the east side of Santa Fe while the previous sinkholes were on the westside of Santa Fe.

We believe the root cause of these two sinkholes is likely unrelated. The cause of the current sinkhole is under investigation, and as we make the repairs we will know more in the days ahead.

How long will this take to repair? 

Repairs began Friday, June 23, 2023 the day after the sinkhole formed. The repairs have been made and Oxford and Navajo reopened on September 17, 2023.

Is this area safe to drive on since so many sinkholes keep happening?

Yes, outside the areas blocked by barricades and caution tape are safe to traverse. This major stormwater transmission line pipe was investigated, cleaned, and deemed structurally sufficient in 2019. Preliminary investigations into the current sinkhole indicate a possible unrelated issue.  

Are there any long-term solutions to prevent this from happening in the future?

In addition to the $2.5 million spent in 2021 and 2022 to replace pipes and stormwater inlets upstream of this area, the city has spent $5 million acquiring land south of this location to build a regional stormwater detention pond and make major improvements to stormwater pipes, inlets and other structures as part of the South Englewood Flood Reduction Project. Land for the detention facility is being cleared now with construction of the facility and other improvements beginning later this year and completed in 2024. Learn more about the South Englewood Flood Reduction Project.

Below is a timeline of these and previous efforts to better prepare Englewood for flood events. 

After 30 years of minimal investment in Englewood’s Stormwater System, the city began to aggressively plan for major upgrades to this aging system starting in 2020.   

2020   

• Developed a 15-year stormwater masterplan, the first such plan in over 20 years.

• Updated the City’s Drainage Criteria Manual for developers which included stormwater detention requirements to control excess runoff from new developments or redevelopments.

2021 

• Raised resident and business stormwater utility rates based on a Stormwater Rate and Fee Study, giving the City the ability to fund needed improvements.

• Based on new stormwater fees, were able to issue $8,665,000 in stormwater revenue bonds.

• City was approved for a $26 million loan from the State Revolving Loan Fund Program (SRF) to fund the South Englewood Flood Reduction Project.

• Expended $5 million to acquire land in the 4300 block of Windermere for new regional stormwater detention facility.

2022 

• Invested $2.5 million in new pipes and upgraded inlets constructed throughout 2021 and 2022 in the south central portion of the city.

• Completed design of regional detention facility at 4395 Windermere.

2023 and Beyond 

• Clearing land now for construction of regional stormwater facility 

• Beginning construction later this year on $18.4 million South Englewood Flood Reduction Project scheduled for completion in 2024.