UNM to add gated access to campus on Central Avenue

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents approved the construction of access gates at four campus entrances during its March 17 meeting as part of ongoing efforts to enhance campus safety.

The four automated gates will be installed at campus access points along Central Ave., replacing temporary barriers that have been manually set in place every night since August 2025.

"The University has always worked to ensure that our students, staff and community feel safe on campus," said Teresa Costantinidis, executive vice president for UNM Finance and Administration. "This project will help our security to protect the campus and provides them an additional tool for keeping our residents and after-hours staff safe."

The security gates will be located on Princeton Dr., Stanford Dr., Yale Blvd., and Terrace St. and will automatically close nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

"The overnight closure of access points along Central Ave. has already demonstrated measurable safety benefits by reducing unauthorized traffic and allowing our police officers to focus more effectively on prevention and response," said UNM Chief of Police Joseph Silva. "Automated security gates will build on that success by providing consistent, technology-driven access control that enhances safety while maintaining necessary access for emergency services."

The project's cost is estimated at $1.43 million, and will be allocated from UNM's plant fund reserves. Since 2021, UNM has invested more than $20.4 million into improving security measures across North and Central Campuses, according to the UNM Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration.

"Campus safety is a high priority for everyone at the University," said Costantinidis. "Our on-going investments in safety infrastructure continue to provide new tools to help keep our communities safe."

Construction of the gates will begin in May 2026, and the installation of the four access points are estimated to be complete by the following September. Traffic impacts to the affected areas will be shared via the Interactive Campus Map.

"This is a thoughtful, forward-looking investment in the long-term security of the UNM community," Silva said.