COUNTY News:
Public Works Projects:
The projects listed in this section are being managed by County Public Works staff through contractors.
For more information, please e-mail lacpw@lacnm.us, call (505).662.8150, or visit the “Projects/Public Works” link at www.losalamosnm.us.
Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Please note the below information is based on a schedule provided by the contractors and may change due to weather or other delays.
Public Works officials thank the community in advance for their cooperation and patience.
Barranca Road Mill & Overlay Construction to Begin Monday
Los Alamos County Public Works has contracted with Albuquerque Asphalt, Inc. to perform pavement preservation on San Ildefonso Road on North Mesa, and San Ildefonso Road/Barranca Road on Barranca Mesa. This information was presented at the public meeting conducted during the regularly scheduled Transportation Board meeting in June 2023.
Project Scope:
- Removal of one inch of existing asphalt surface and install of new asphalt surface.
Schedule:
- July 17, 2023 – The project will begin on the North Mesa portion of San Ildefonso Road and end on North Mesa Road. A 550-foot section of North Mesa Road will also be included in this phase.
- July 24, 2023 – The Barranca Mesa portion of San Ildefonso and Barranca roads will begin on San Ildefonso just north of the roundabout ending at the intersection of Barranca and Navajo roads.
- The anticipated completion date for the project is August 2, 2023.
Hours:
- Albuquerque Asphalt, Inc. has a Noise Ordinance Waiver Permit for this project allowing crews to work from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Saturday.
Traffic Impact:
To minimize disruption, Albuquerque Asphalt, Inc crews will notify and coordinate with affected residents on certain construction logistics, such as parking restrictions. They will also ensure ingress and egress to residents’ homes as much as possible. In addition, services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, school bus, and emergency services will always be maintained. Residents can expect large equipment, and construction noise. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zone. The road will be open to traffic with a work zone flagging operation including use of a pilot car.
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. The Public Works thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and patience. For project details, visit the Public Works department project webpage at https://lacnm.com/PW-
33rd / 34th Street Road and Utility Improvements
TLC Plumbing and Utility will continue working on the roadway portion of the project. The intersection of 33rd St. and Villa Street will be CLOSED July 17-19. The closure will take place on 33rd from Walnut Street to approximately 500 feet south of the intersection of 33rd and Villa. Villa will be CLOSED beginning the intersection of 34th St.
Residents will need to take the ALTERNATE ROUTE through 32nd St., then Walnut and back to Villa through the 33rd/34th streets loop. Please follow traffic control signs and flaggers who will assist with guidance.
This closure is required to complete multiple utility manhole and valve adjustments and concrete collar installations. The intent is for the closures to be as short as possible during the summer months, while school is not in session. (See map below). Construction hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The transit bus stop on 33rd will be temporarily closed throughout the duration of the project. Riders can use the transit stop on 35th St.
Traffic & Streets Projects:
The projects listed in this section are being managed by County Traffic & Streets Division staff. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Call Traffic and Streets Manager Daniel Blea for concerns at 505.663.8206.
Countywide Vegetation Control Continues the Week of July 17
Crews will continue with vegetation control efforts countywide the week of July 17. Watch for crews and machinery on the side of the road. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.
Road Striping Continues in Los Alamos
Crews will continue striping roads, parking lots, and curbs across Los Alamos beginning July 17 until completed. Watch for the striping machine and fresh paint. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information regarding this project, contact Anthony Lucero at 505.795.3671.
Central Ave. Street Striping and Sharrow Reinstall Wednesday
Crews will be installing sharrows and striping Central Ave. on both sides of the road between 15th St. towards 9th St., including the arrows at the entrances to the Municipal Building parking lot, July 19. A moving flagging operation will be in place. Work hours are 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. For information about this project, contact Anthony Lucero at 505.795.3671.
Diamond Drive and Arkansas Ave. Crosswalk Installation Wednesday
Crews will be installing a crosswalk at the intersection of Diamond Drive and Arkansas Ave. beginning July 19. Work hours will begin at 3 a.m. daily. A flagging operation will be in place. For information about this project, contact Anthony Lucero at 505.795.3671.
North Mesa Soccer and Baseball Field Parking Lot, Picnic Ground, and RV Parking Lot Maintenance Begins Monday
Crews will be spreading millings on North Mesa at the soccer and baseball fields parking lot, the parking lot between the RV storage and the horse stables, and at the North Mesa Picnic Grounds beginning July 17. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. For questions regarding this project, please contact Matthew Salazar at 505.412.5144.
Concrete Work Continues on San Ildefonso Road Between the Roundabout an El Gancho Road
Franco’s Builders, LLC, along with Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets will be removing and replacing a section of curb, gutter, and sidewalk along San Ildefonso Road from 100 ft. north of the roundabout to El Gancho Road. The work will be performed on the east side of the roadway. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This project is anticipated to continue through July 21, 2023.
The east shoulder area and lane will become a bicycle lane for northbound riders. Northbound vehicle traffic will be shifted into a lane created for this project. Southbound traffic will not be impacted. Vehicle and bicycle traffic are urged to slow down and obey all traffic devices and watch for crews.
For questions regarding this project, please contact Daniel Campos, Streets Superintendent, at 505.500.7321.
Crack and Fog Sealing Operations Continue in White Rock
GM Emulsion, LLC, will continue crack and fog sealing in White Rock along Grand Canyon Drive. The roads scheduled to be sealed include Sierra Vista Drive, La Vista Drive, Yosemite Drive, Mesa Verde Street, La Paloma Drive, Valle Vista Street, Canyon Vista Street, Monte Vista Street, Barcelona Ave., Cañada Way, Cañada Circle, Balboa Drive, and Alhambra Drive.
Construction hours begin at 8 a.m. daily. Work is anticipated to continue through Aug. 11, 2023. A flagging operation will be in place. Please watch for traffic signs, crews, and machinery in these locations.
For questions or concerns, please contact Daniel Campos, Streets Superintendent, at 505.500.7321.
Utilities Projects:
The projects listed in this section are being managed by Dept. of Public Utilities (DPU) staff. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Contact the Customer Care Center, (505).662.8333, CustomerCare@lacnm.
Trenching for Electric Continues on Barranca Mesa
DPU is replacing primary underground electric lines and conduit at the eastern end of Barranca Mesa. The project has been extended to continue through June.
DPU’s contractor, Paul Parker Construction Company, is excavating between 410 and 500 Navajo Road and south on Totavi Street. Excavation continues across the intersection of Totavi and Navajo and then through to the end of the Totavi cul-de-sac. Residents in the area should expect sidewalk closures and exercise caution while driving through the work zone. All trenching is on one side of the street.
Non-County Projects:
The following road construction updates are posted below in the interest of keeping residents informed but are being managed or conducted by others. Please obey all traffic devices and slowdown in work zones.
Longview Drive and Sherwood Blvd in White Rock
Kelly Cable of New Mexico will continue work through July 31, 2023. Crews are installing fiber from the northwest corner of Longview Drive and Sherwood Blvd heading east. The sidewalk closure will remain in place south of the White Rock Branch Library just west of the Longview/ Sherwood intersection. Traffic and pedestrians are asked to watch for equipment, crews and obey all traffic devices. For questions regarding this project, please contact Charlie Lovato with Kelly Cable of New Mexico at 505.350.9252.
Alamo Rd. Sidewalk Closure for Utility Work Begins Tuesday
Cablecom, LLC in association with High 5 Network, will be boring along the south side of Alamo Road between San Ildefonso Road and Oro Ct. to intercept a cable line. Work will begin July 18 and should be completed by July 22. Construction hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Pedestrian traffic will be detoured at the intersection of San Ildefonso and Alamo. Watch for crews and equipment in this location. For information about the project, please contact Adrian Rivas at 505.225.5967.
Sidewalk Closure on Central Ave. and Iris Street Begins Monday
Son’s Communications will be continuing a project on Central Ave. between Iris Street to slightly past Knecht Street. The sidewalk on the south side of Central will be closed. Pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the north side of Central at 15thSt. and at the crosswalk east of Iris. Work will also occur on the west side of Iris off Central. The sidewalk will be closed from Central to the north side of Iris.
Son’s communications will be boring underground to replace conduit and fiber. Construction hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For questions regarding this project contact Anita Morales with Son’s Communications at 505.410.2384.
Sidewalk Closure on Arkansas Ave from Diamond Drive to 41st St
TALA Excavation will be installing a driveway for the new apartments on Arkansas Ave. Work began Monday, June 27 and will continue through August 1, 2023. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Pedestrian traffic will be detoured at Diamond Drive to the northeast corner of the intersection. For questions regarding this project, please contact Tyler Miller with TALA Excavation at 505.470.0701 or via email at talaexcavationnm@gmail.com
NNSA – Update as of July 7, 2023:
Improvements To NM 4/East Jemez Road Intersection – Construction project causes traffic delays on NM 4/East Jemez Road
Allow extra time to commute for next several weeks.
Early in the week of June 26, the NM 4/East Jemez Road construction project entered a new phase. The contractors are working to minimize traffic congestion, but as expected, associated lane closures are significantly impacting employee commutes to and from the Lab.
We are already seeing commuting delays of up to 45 minutes during peak commuting times in the morning and evening. The heaviest traffic delays will likely occur Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
This phase of the project — the second of four planned for the reconstruction effort — will last approximately eight weeks.
While traffic impacts have been anticipated for some time, we know Lab employees and community members will find the delays frustrating. Considering the disruptions, we recommend allowing extra time in the morning and evening for your commute, understanding that you may end up in slowed or stalled traffic near the Lab.
Of course, we also encourage our employees to leave their cars at home and get to work another way. Multiple buses and park-and-ride shuttles currently serve the Laboratory, including the new Pojoaque Express that transports workers directly to TA-35 and TA-55 from the Cities of Gold Casino parking lot. Community members can utilize the Atomic City Transit. Carpooling and vanpooling can also help reduce congestion.
Thank you for your help navigating this disruption. We’re all in it together. Despite the recent headaches, this road project will ultimately improve commutes for everyone.
LANL employees can visit the Traffic News Hub for the latest information about traffic impediments on-site and en route to the Lab. Find shuttles, the LANL Taxi, vanpools and more transit information on the LANL Transportation Hub. Community members can visit www.lacnm.com/driveless or LANL’s “Life at the Lab” transportation page.
During Phase 2, the following traffic impacts will be in place:
- The southbound right lane of NM 4 will be closed, and traffic will be shifted to the east, with one lane of traffic open in each direction (north and south) to the intersection of NM 4 and East Jemez Road.
- Traffic on East Jemez Road will be shifted to the south, with one lane of traffic open in each direction (east and west).
- Access to the parking area for the Bandelier National Monument Tsankawi Unit remains closed, with no alternative access provided.
- The speed limit throughout the construction area is reduced to 35 miles per hour. PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT.
- Construction on Phase 2 is expected to last about one and one-half to two months, followed by Phases 3 and 4.
During construction, all existing travel lanes on NM 4 and E. Jemez Road will remain open during peak travel times – 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Any lane closures will occur during non-peak hours and flaggers will direct traffic. All construction is weather permitting and is subject to change without notice.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down and give themselves additional time to reach their destination. More construction phases will follow, with the project expected to be completed in late 2023
