COUNTY News:

The projects listed in this section are being managed by County Public Works staff through contractors. For more information, email 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.

Help Loosen the Bottleneck on Trinity Drive and Central Avenue

The evening commute heading east out of Los Alamos townsite via Main Hill (N.M. 502) has been extra crowded lately.

Here are a few tips to help loosen the bottleneck that forms shortly after the roundabout to allow for a safe and successful zipper merge:

1. Drive consistently.
2. When getting close to the source of the merge, signal your intent which gives other drivers time to notice and react.
3. Don’t merge too early. Stay in your lane until the designated merge point. 
4. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you.
5. Be courteous of others. In general, everyone gets to their destination faster and safer when we are a little more patient with backed-up traffic.
6. If there’s no bottleneck and traffic is moving, feel free to make an early merge if it makes sense.

Why use the zipper merge?

The zipper merge uses all available road space which ensures both lanes are filled up and moving at an equal pace. By reducing the difference in speeds between the two lanes, merging is easier and safer. Studies have shown the zipper merge reduces the overall length of traffic backup by as much as 40%.

There are a few key things to remember about driving through roundabouts:

• Slow on approach.
• Yield to drivers already in the roundabout.
• Stay in your lane; do not change lanes.
• Signal your intent.
• Do not stop in the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.

The most important rule – when entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on the roundabout. If the way is clear keep moving. Stopping at a clear roundabout slows traffic and can cause frustrating delays.

Five common roundabout mistakes:

• Not giving way to vehicles already in the roundabout.
• Entering a multi-lane roundabout from the wrong lane.
• Failing to indicate correctly when leaving a roundabout.
• Attempting to pass a long vehicle on a roundabout.

Bike to Work events Wednesday, May 17

Los Alamos County Public Works Department, the Transportation Board, and Community Services Department invite the community to celebrate “Bike to Work” events on Wednesday!

Schedule of Events

7 to 9 a.m.—Energizer Station NW Corner Diamond/Canyon Rd.
Stop by for Drinks, Snacks, and Bike Related SWAG

6 to 8 p.m.—Bike to Work Day, Videos and Presentations at SALA

• Professional Mountain Bikers and YouTubers, Syd & Macky will share their video on replacing a car with e-bikes in Los Alamos.
• The Bicycle Working Group will share their plan to improve infrastructure in Los Alamos
• Los Alamos County Public Works will have updates on their bicycle related projects (Urban Trail, Canyon Rim Trail, etc.).

According to the League of American Bicyclists, 40% of all trips in the U.S. are less than two miles, making bicycling a feasible and fun way to get around. The County urges everyone to bike to work or try cycling for fun, fitness, or transportation.  

Public Works staff offer tips to assist community members to better enjoy biking to work:

• Have your bike checked over by your local bike shop. 
• Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of a crash. 
• Ride in the right-most lane that goes in the direction that you are traveling. 
• Obey all stop signs, traffic lights and lane markings. 
• Look before you change lanes or signal a turn; indicate your intention, then act.
• Always be visible and predictable and wear bright clothing.

Motorists are also reminded of the County’s “5 foot to Pass” ordinance pertaining to bikes. The ordinance states,“when approaching or passing any person riding on a bicycle, the operator of a motor vehicle shall proceed with caution and shall pass such bicycle rider at a reasonable speed and maintain a safe distance, no less than five feet, from the operator of the bicycle.”

Individuals with questions or comments about the May 17 events can call the Public Works Department at 505.662.8150 or send an email to lacpw@lacnm.us.

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.

33rd / 34th Street Road and Utility Improvements

TLC Plumbing and Utility will continue working on the utility portion of the project: storm drain, curb drop inlet installation, sidewalk, drive pad and curb & gutter removals. The storm drain installation may impact residents that live in the area of the intersection of 33rd and 34th streets. Construction hours are Monday through 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 Street.

Arkansas Avenue Road and Utility Improvements

TLC Plumbing and Utility began construction on Arkansas Avenue Monday, May 8. Construction hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The street will be closed from Diamond Drive to 41st Street. 

Businesses on Arkansas will remain accessible via Diamond throughout the duration of the project. Southeast-bound traffic on Arkansas will detour thru 41st Street and then turn right on Alabama Avenue for access to Diamond. Through traffic should use alternate routes. Work is anticipated to last for approximately 1 month.

Canyon Glen Bridge Painting Project

All Rite Construction began painting the Canyon Glen Bridge Monday, May 8. Traffic control is set up in the area with flaggers being utilized throughout the workday. The road will be open to residential traffic during construction operations. Work is anticipated to last for approximately 1 month.

Fuller Lodge Canopy Replacement Project

The main entrance to Fuller Lodge Art Center will be closed intermittently due to overhead work to replace the canopy above the doors. Detour signs will be in place directing patrons to the east side entrance of the Art Center.

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 Daniel Blea, Traffic and Streets Manager for concerns, 505.663.8206.

Concrete Work in White Rock at 355 Kilby and 785 Aster

Weather permitting, crews will be repairing drive pads at 355 Kilby and 785 Aster beginning May 15 in White Rock. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Sidewalks will be closed in these locations. Detour signs will be in place to guide pedestrian traffic. 

Vegetation Control – County Wide

Weather permitting, crews will be performing vegetation control county-wide beginning May 15. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Road Striping Continues in Los Alamos

Crews will continue striping roads and curbs in Los Alamos. Work began Monday, May 8 and will continue until complete. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

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.us, or visit ladpu.com/Projects.

Trenching for Electric Continues on Barranca Mesa

Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is replacing primary underground electric lines and conduit at the eastern end of Barranca Mesa. The work will reduce or eliminate the risk of electric outages where the existing infrastructure has a history of repeated failures. The project is expected to continue through April.

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.

Utility Work and Sidewalk Closure on Camino Redondo & Camino Medio

CableCom, LLC and 2 Men 1 Cable will be working at 1580 Camino Redondo to bore and trench to replace coaxial cable in 2” conduit. The sidewalk on the west side of Camino Redondo between Cumbres Patio and the southwest corner of Camino Redondo will be closed. Pedestrian traffic will detour to the South side of Camino Redondo. Construction will begin Monday, May 15 and should be completed by May 19. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For questions or concerns, contact Chad Guinn at CableCom, LLC at 505.506.5615. 

Utility Work and Sidewalk Closure at 1158 Big Rock Loop

CableCom, LLC and 2 Men 1 Cable will be working at 1158 Big Rock Loop to bore and trench to replace coaxial cable in 2” conduit. The sidewalk on the north side of Big Rock Loop will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian traffic will detour at the southeast corner of Big Rock Loop and San Ildefonso Road at both entrances to Big Rock Loop. Construction will begin Monday, May 15 and should be completed by May 19. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For questions or concerns, contact Chad Guinn at CableCom, LLC at 505.506.5615. 

NNSA – Update as of May 12, 2023:

Construction Is Continuing on Improvements to NM 4/East Jemez Road Intersection

Due to unforeseen circumstances, completion of Phase 1-B has been extended to mid-June 2023. During this phase, crews are working on both sides of NM 4 as well as on the north shoulder of E. Jemez Road.

The following traffic impacts are in place:

• Crews are working on the embankment, grading within the median area and placing subgrade. They are also placing base course, and plan to pave the median detour areas and mill asphalt for future work later this month.
• Temporary traffic signals have been installed at the intersection.
• The speed limit throughout the construction area is reduced to 35 MILES PER HOUR. PLEASE OBEY THE SPEED LIMIT.
• Access to the parking area for the Bandelier National Monument Tsankawi Unit is COMPLETELY CLOSED as of Monday, April 3, 2023. No alternate access will be provided. A new access is expected to be open in late October 2023.

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.