COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Public Works staff manages the projects listed in this section through contractors. For more information, please email lacpw@lacnm.us, call 505.662.8150, or visit the County Projects page at https://lacnm.com/pw-projects.
Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Please note the information below is based on a schedule provided by the contractors and may change due to weather or other delays.
Bathtub Row Reconstruction Project Updates
Construction crews with TLC Plumbing & Utility continue the Bathtub Row Reconstruction Project. Construction hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the addition of Fridays and weekends, as needed.
A full road closure on Bathtub Row from Juniper Street to Peach/Nectar, including the intersection of Peach Street and Bathtub Row is in place to allow for construction activities including roadway grading.
An additional full road closure on Nectar Street from Bathtub Row to 15th St. is in place for the crews to install the new water lines, broadband conduit and concrete work. Community Soccer Park may be accessed from Peach/Ponderosa streets only.
The intersection of 15th Street and Iris Street will be closed for the installation of the waterline. Traffic should follow all detour signs. Driveways for Central Park Square and YMCA will be accessible with flaggers and signs.
Traffic should follow all detour signs. The detours will ensure ingress and egress to businesses and residences. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zone.
Help us keep you informed. All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150.
Piñon School Access Road Construction
The Piñon Access Road project is nearing substantial completion and is now open for school access. Remaining work includes concrete sidewalk installation and drainage swale construction, which are expected to be finished by the end of September.
The project is a partnership between the Los Alamos County Public Works Department and Los Alamos Public Schools and provides road and drainage improvements for the north access road to Piñon School.
The current Piñon Access Road at Sherwood Boulevard will be temporarily closed. Pedestrian access to the tennis courts will be available, with parking in the Piñon/Rocket Park parking lot.
Hours of Construction
Jaynes Corporation will work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with weekend work as needed. Residents should expect large equipment and construction noise.
Traffic Impact
To minimize disruption, the contractor will notify affected business owners and residents about construction logistics and traffic changes as work progresses. Mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, school bus service, transit and emergency services will be maintained.
Pedestrians should follow all detour signs. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to use caution near construction activities and avoid entering the work zone.
All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. We thank residents and business owners in advance for their cooperation and patience.
For project details, visit the Jaynes Corp project webpage https://www.jaynescorp.com/project/Piñon-elementary-school/
Project specific questions please contact Jaynes Corporation Project Manager; Ruben Medina ruben.medina@jaynescorp.com.
Performing Arts Center Parking Lot Closure
Access to the parking lot at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) building (a.k.a. “Little Theatre” at 1670 Nectar Street in Los Alamos, is closed to the public.
The closure allows a much-needed health and safety focused renovation, aimed at improving the fire safety response time in case of emergencies. The project also includes abatement of asbestos materials from the ceilings and flooring of the PAC. R & M Construction, LLC, under contract to the County, is installing a Fire Suppression System, and Southwest Hazard Control, Inc. is abating asbestos.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October 2025. For more information, contact Sayeda at sobia.sayeda@lacnm.us or 505.661.2051.
Traffic & Streets Projects:
The Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets Division manages the projects listed in this section. Motorists are urged to slow down and use caution in construction zones. For concerns, call Acting Traffic and Streets Manager Aaron Park at 505.662.8176.
Sidewalk Closure on the West Side of Catherine Ct. for Concrete Work Crews will be repairing sidewalks on the west side of Catherine Ct. in White Rock beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sidewalk will be closed to pedestrian traffic with detours provided around the work zone. Weather permitting, this work will be completed by September 5.
Diamond Drive Pavement Marking Work
San Bar Construction Corp, under contract with Los Alamos County, will continue work on refreshing turn lane, bike lane, stop bars, and crosswalk pavement markings at various intersections along Diamond Drive. The process includes grinding out the old pavement markings before placing the new ones. This work will generally occur between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Work may extend to 9 p.m. on some days and occur on Fridays to minimize impacts to traffic during busy traffic periods. Lane closures will be in place at each location during this work. Bicycle and pedestrian accommodation will be provided as needed. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to slow down, follow all traffic control signage, and proceed with caution through work zones. Work is scheduled to continue through Sept. 19.
Directional Turn Arrow Painting on Side Streets along Trinity Drive
Crews will be painting directional turn arrows on streets leading on to Trinity Drive beginning Monday, Aug. 25. Work will begin on 15th St. and continue down Trinity Drive until all intersections have been completed. Crews will temporarily close the impacted turning lane at each intersection. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. No closures will occur on Trinity Drive.
Los Alamos Public Schools: Crosswalk Striping
Weather permitting, the Traffic and Streets Division will continue striping crosswalks at Los Alamos Public Schools sites daily until the project is completed. Work will begin at 6:30 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. Motorists are asked to be mindful of crews and striping equipment, follow all traffic control signs, and avoid driving on freshly painted stripes.
County-owned Trails and Intersections: Vegetation Control
Crews will continue cutting vegetation along county-owned trails and intersections in Los Alamos and White Rock, focusing on trails leading to parks and schools. Residents should use caution when approaching crews and equipment.
Department of Public Utilities Projects:
The County Dept. of Public Utilities (DPU) staff manages the projects listed in this section.
Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Contact the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333, CustomerCare@lacnm.us, or visit ladpu.com/Project.
15th St. Utility Work (part of the Bathtub Row Project)
With trenching for a new 14-inch water transmission line complete, the intersection at 15th Street and Iris Street will be closed for the installation of the waterline by TLC Plumbing/Spear D. Drivers should follow all detour signs. To access Central Park Square and the YMCA, follow flagging signals and signs. Please use caution in the area as the project continues.
Elk Ridge (July – September)
DUB-L-EE is replacing the natural gas pipelines at Elk Ridge Communities. While this is not a County project, it is an important one and DPU encourages community members to drive cautiously and patiently through the neighborhood while this replacement project is occurring.
Road Repairs
The following locations are in the queue for asphalt and/or concrete work due restore the streets following previous underground utility repairs. The dates will be listed when determined.
- 1750 35th Street
- 88 Mimbres Drive
- 3586 Arizona Avenue
Work on Grand Canyon Continues
Parker Construction is replacing pressure reducing valves (PRVs) in three sections along Grand Canyon Drive between La Vista Drive and Catherine Avenue. Work will be in the center of the street near the intersection of Grand Canyon and Canada Way and the intersection of Grand Canyon and Richard Court. Work will be on the southeast shoulder of the intersection of Grand Canyon and Rover Boulevard. Drivers should expect signs and cones at these intersections. Road crossing plates will be used as needed. Please use caution.
LAFD Hydrant Testing Continues
The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will be testing fire hydrants throughout the county through Sept. 1. The purpose of testing is to ensure that the hydrants will provide an adequate water supply for fire suppression and to flush out sediments that have accumulated in the water distribution system over the past year. These tests are part of the hydrants maintenance program and are conducted jointly with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Residents will see LAFD firefighters and vehicles throughout the community releasing water through the hydrants while they are conducting these tests.
Residents may see some discoloration in their water due to the amount and volume of flowing water after nearby hydrants are tested. If this is the case, residents should run the cold-water spigot located outside their home for a few minutes. This will usually resolve the issue. It is also recommended that residents avoid washing laundry until the water runs clear.
Questions or concerns about this annual maintenance can be directed to the, Los Alamos County Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us.
Jemez Mountain Fire Protection Project on West Road and Camp May Road
DPU contractors are constructing a new water tank on West Road and installing a water pipeline next to West Road and Camp May Road all the way up to Camp May.
On West Road, work is primarily taking place on the shoulder.
Camp May Road is closed Monday through Thursday for the duration of the project, as are trails accessible from Camp May Road for all hikers, bikers, and other recreators.
Camping at Camp May is limited to Friday and Saturday nights on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available. Campers must extinguish campfires, pack up belongings, and leave the area no later than Sunday at noon. The entrance/exit to Camp May is closed and locked from Sunday afternoon until Friday morning.
More information on this project can be found here.
Broadband Project:
The Community Broadband Network is being designed by the County’s contractor Bonfire with field work being collected by its subcontractor Hexad. Los Alamos County Broadband Manager Jerry Smith is overseeing the project.
White Rock: Field Work
Field work for the County’s Community Broadband Network (CBN) is underway. Hexad’s crews are collecting data across the County through September 2025, assessing aerial and underground fiber-optic routes, some on private property. Crews are currently working in White Rock.
Residents may see surveyors evaluating utility poles and opening vaults. In some cases, crews will need access to utility poles in backyards; affected property owners will receive door hangers with the scheduled date and time for entry. Read the full news article here.
Non-County Projects:
The following construction project are not funded by Los Alamos County. Updates are included to keep residents informed of potential traffic impacts. Questions should be directed to the parties identified within each description. Please obey all traffic devices and slow down in work zones.
Los Alamos National Laboratory to repave East Jemez Road
Los Alamos National Laboratory will be repaving East Jemez Road, from the NM-4 intersection (mile marker 10) to the start of the three lanes and the climbing lane (mile marker 7.6). Drivers should anticipate traffic delays and potential traffic pattern shifts during this project. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin on Sept. 5, 2025, and is expected to be completed by the end of September. Work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. This paving work will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 (yellow) beginning on Sept. 5, 2025, and Phase 2 (green) in mid-September.
Fencing to be installed around Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Health Research Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Health Research Laboratory (HRL) complex, adjacent to Los Alamos Medical Center on Diamond Drive, is being emptied for pre-demolition preparation activities. Fencing around the perimeter of the complex is expected to be installed in the next couple of months. Most of the parking used by hospital staff and patients between the medical center and HRL will remain open and may continue to be used. Parking will be reassessed for safety prior to construction mobilization. A gate will be installed under the Los Alamos Canyon (Omega) Bridge to prevent unauthorized access.
The facility characterization process will start in 2026 with physical demolition beginning in the next five to seven years.
HRL previously housed the Bioscience division. All Bioscience work has been moved elsewhere on the LANL campus and to leased commercial buildings.
For more information, contact: Andrea Pistone, Site Cleanup Program Manager, at 505.231.9584 or email apistone@lanl.gov.
Longview Drive Road Closure and Construction
WR Land Investment, LLC is working on Longview Drive in White Rock. Work began April 11 and continues through September 11, 2025. A road closure remains in place for the duration of the project. The project includes demolition of existing buildings, installation of infrastructure, and construction of a new subdivision. The winding road adjacent to Longview Drive remains open during the project. If needed, a turnaround location is available on the west side of the road closure. For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact Philip Gurskey at 267.816.0299.
Hill Apartments: Realignment of 35th Street at Trinity Drive (NM-502)/Pavilion Construction
Construction activities are almost completed on the south side of Trinity Drive near the new 35th St. intersection. Traffic Control devices will be set up for minor corrections for a limited time periods to protect the workers while both eastbound and westbound lanes will remain open.
Motorists and bicyclists will be asked to share the road when asked. Both sidewalks are open. All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to Pavilion Construction at 469.907.6045.
Special Event Impacts:
Los Alamos County may or may not oversee the events listed below. Updates are included to keep residents informed of potential traffic impacts. Questions should be directed to the parties identified within each description. Please obey all traffic devices and slow down in the area of the special events.
2025 Atomicon at the Mesa Public Library and Fuller Lodge
The Los Alamos County Public Library will host its annual Atomicon at Mesa Public Library and Fuller Lodge in downtown Los Alamos on Saturday, August 30. Area parking lots will experience heavier than usual vehicle traffic for the duration of the event. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will also be higher than normal. Vehicle traffic is urged to slow down and be mindful. For more information or questions regarding this special event, contact the Library at 505.662.8265.
2025 Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series, held every Friday until September 5, is held at Ashley Pond Park in downtown Los Alamos. Each Friday, 20th St. from Trinity Drive to Deacon Street will be closed in the afternoon until following the concert. The Los Alamos downtown area will experience a significant increase in vehicle, shuttle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, especially around Ashley Pond Park. Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for others. For questions regarding the Concert Series, contact the Community Services Department at 505.662.8170.
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