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.
Two Days Left to Take the Survey!
We want to hear from you! Please take the Los Alamos County Public Works Bike Mobility Survey to assist in improving the biking environment across the community. The survey is open NOW through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, May 31. Take the survey here.
Public Meeting – Loma Linda Road Improvements Project
Thursday, June 1, the Transportation Board and Public Works Department will hold a public meeting to discuss the reconstruction improvements on the Loma Linda Road Improvements Project. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos), via Zoom at the link below, and will also be streamed live at http://losalamos.legistar.
The Loma Linda Road Improvements project includes the following streets:
- Loma Linda Drive;
- La Tierra Road; and
- La Mirada Circle.
The scope of work includes removal and replacement of asphalt surface, new curb and gutter, valley gutters, sidewalk, ADA ramps with detectable warning surfaces, lighting, and drive pads will be replaced as necessary. The project is in the design phase and slated for construction in early 2024, with completion in Summer 2024.
Use the following link to join the meeting: https://us06web.zoom.
Or dial +1-720-707-2699 – Meeting ID: 817 8137 9747
For more information visit the Public Works projects page.
Anyone unable to attend the meeting should email comments to: lacpw@lacnm.us on or before June 7, 2023. Questions? Call the Public Works Department at 505.662.8150.
Zipper Merge Signage being added to NM502 near the Roundabout
The evening commute heading east out of Los Alamos townsite via Main Hill (NM502) has been extra congested lately. Public Works has been investigating ways to help alleviate some of the congestion that starts east of the roundabout and backs up through Trinity Drive and Central Ave. generally between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
East of the Roundabout, two eastbound lanes extend for approximately 1,000 feet before merging into one. During the most congested time, the farthest right lane is not being fully utilized, with drivers beginning their merge to the left before the Arroyo Lane. intersection. This leaves over 500 feet of unused vehicle storage space of up to 20+ cars.
Public Works has installed a message board and new signage to encourage drivers in the right lane to continue to the “merge point” just west of the Crossroads Bible Church driveway, where drivers in both lanes should alternate in “zipper” fashion into the single lane.
Public Works staff will continue to monitor this area and implement any additional changes deemed viable to limit delays to the traveling public.
33rd / 34th Street Road and Utility Improvements
TLC Plumbing and Utility will continue working on the roadway portion of the project: curb drop inlet installation, sidewalk, drive pad and curb and gutter removals. The Contractor will begin installing the remaining new water line from the intersection of 33rd St. and Villa for approximately 500 feet south of the intersection. Construction hours are 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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.
Canyon Glen Bridge Painting Project
All Rite Construction will continue the painting project on Canyon Glen Bridge. 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 be complete by the end of June.
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 Traffic and Streets Manager Daniel Blea for concerns at 505.663.8206.
Concrete work at 335 Kilby
Crews will be replacing the driveway and sidewalk at 335 Kilby, which will require a sidewalk closure at this residence. Weather permitting, crews will begin at 8 a.m. and finish by 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 30.
White Rock Visitor Parking Lot Closed for Striping
Weather permitting, crews will be striping the White Rock Visitor Center parking lot Wednesday, May 31. Work will begin at 8 a.m. and be finished by 3:30 p.m.
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.
Asphalt Patching in the areas of Mesa Verde Street, La Vista Street, and La Paloma
Crews will be repairing asphalt in the areas of Mesa Verde Street, La Vista Street, and La Paloma. Work hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Crews will stop traffic intermittently as they move through the areas. Please watch for flaggers, crews, and equipment.
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
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 has been extended to continue through May.
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.
2023 Chamberfest – Road Closure on Central Ave.
Saturday, June 3, Central Ave. will be closed from 15th St. to 20th St. and at the Main Street Road roundabout for the annual Chamberfest event. The closure will begin at 9 a.m., with the roadway reopening at 2:30 p.m. For questions, please contact Sam McRae with the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce at 678.580.7332.
Longview Drive and Sherwood Blvd in White Rock
Kelly Cable of New Mexico will continue work today, May 29 through June 23, 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.
Central Ave. and 7th St. Underground Bore and Excavation
Sons Communications, LLC will be performing an underground bore and excavation to replace 2” conduit and fiber for Comcast. The project location is between 1247 and 813 Central Ave. on the south side of the roadway. Crews will also be working on the west side of 7th St. in front of the apartments leading towards Central. Weather permitting, work will begin May 29 and finish by June 2, daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The sidewalks on the south side of Central will be closed. Pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the north side of Central at 15th St. and detoured east of 7th St. and Central.
For questions regarding this project, contact Sons Communications, LLC – Maurilio or Anita Morales at 505.412.2384 or via email at office@sonscommunications.
LANL: Pajarito Road pavement project underway
A pavement project to improve Pajarito Road from Gamma Ray Road to Diamond Drive began May 17. Subcontractors will mill, pave and restripe the road in multiple phases. Work is expected to be completed in late June.
Travel lanes on Pajarito will be diverted during work hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday. Any lane closures will occur during non-peak hours or weekends. Reduced speeds in the work zone and Pajarito Corridor Vehicle Access Portals (VAPs) are expected during work hours.
Flaggers will be present to direct traffic. Drivers are urged to slow down, watch out for workers in the area and observe traffic control signs.
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.
