The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has stepped up safety measures along key pilgrimage routes as thousands prepare to walk to El Santuario de Chimayó this Good Friday.
Crews have been working for weeks ahead of the annual walk to El Santuario de Chimayó. They will begin 12-hour shifts starting Thursday evening through Saturday to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
What NMDOT is doing on the ground
To handle the rise in foot traffic, the agency has rolled out a wide set of safety interventions, namely:
- Clearing and sweeping of roads, while cattle guards are being covered to make paths safer for pedestrians;
- Installation of the more than 150 orange barrels and around 250 safety signs along major routes;
- Pilgrims will have a guide in using on- and off-ramps between Santa Fe and Cuyamungue to avoid highways;
- At the Cuyamungue interchange, agency crews will redirect walkers to an east frontage road to avoid risk from fast-moving vehicles;
- Temporary stop signs will be installed at interchanges to allow safer pedestrian crossings;
- Motorists will be alerted to heavy foot traffic with electronic message boards and additional signage along N.M. 76 and N.M. 503;
- Portable lights will illuminate high-traffic areas, including the Pojoaque Wellness Center and major intersections; and
- Trash bins will be available along routes to help keep the area clean during the pilgrimage.
Safety tips: What pilgrims should remember
NMDOT officials stressed that safety also depends on participants. The agency is reminding walkers to:
- Remain in designated pedestrian paths and follow all installed signs;
- Do not walk directly on roadways whenever possible;
- Wearing light-colored or reflective clothing is a big help, especially at night or early morning;
- To adjust to shifting temperatures, participants are advised to dress in layers;
- Don’t forget to bring essentials like a flashlight, water, and snacks;
- Be sure to walk in groups and inform someone of your route; and
- Proper disposal of waste by using designated bins.
NMDOT also reminded all motorists to slow down and stay alert. The agency expects thousands of pilgrims to share the road in the days leading up to Good Friday.