COUNTY News:
Public Works Projects:
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 that 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 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with Fridays and weekends, as needed.
The project includes a full road closure on Bathtub Row from Juniper Street to Peach/ Nectar, including the Peach Street/Bathtub Row intersection, and an additional full road closure on Nectar Street from Bathtub Row to 15th Street. Community Soccer Park may be accessible from Peach Street/Ponderosa Street only.
Traffic should follow all detour signs. Detours 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.
Direct questions, concerns, or special access needs 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 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.
Jaynes Corporation is working 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with weekend work as needed. Expect large equipment and construction noise.
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 are being 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.
Direct questions, concerns, or special access needs to the DPU at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. The project manager thanks 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/. For project specific questions, contact Jaynes Corporation Project Manager Ruben Medina ruben.medina@jaynescorp.com.
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 Keith Wilson at 505.231.3961.
Concrete Work (Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter) at Cheryl Ave. and Aragon Ave.
Francos Builders, Inc., under contract with Los Alamos County, is replacing sidewalks and curb and gutter at the intersection of Cheryl Ave. and Aragon Ave. Work hours are from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There may be periodic sidewalk and lane closures during this work. Pedestrian and vehicle detours will be in place. The work is anticipated to be completed by Sept. 30, 2025.
Sidewalk Closures along Villa Street begins Monday, Sept. 15
Traffic and Streets crews will be repairing sidewalks on Villa St. beginning Monday, Sept. 15th. Work will take place between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 22 weather permitting. The sidewalk will be closed to pedestrian traffic with detours provided around the work zone.
Pavement Markings Eradication on Trinity Drive Island at 35 th St.
Crews will be eradicating pavement markings and installing new markings on Trinity Drive at 35th St. from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vehicle traffic will be partially shifted into the shoulder on each side of Trinity Drive.
Crosswalk Installation on Canyon Road begins Monday, Sept. 15
Traffic and Streets crews will be installing crosswalk markings and signage on Canyon Road at the westernmost entrance to the Aquatic Center on Monday Sept. 15, weather permitting. Work will begin at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expect a lane closure with flaggers.
Diamond Drive Pavement Marking Work Continues
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.
Department of Public Utilities Projects:
The County Dept. of Public Utilities (DPU) staff manages the projects listed in this section. Please slowdown and use caution within the construction zones. Contact the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333, CustomerCare@lacnm.us, or visit ladpu.com/Projects.
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.
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. 2025. 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 regular hydrant 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.
Field Work Continues Los Alamos townsite
Field work for the County’s Community Broadband Network (CBN) is underway. Crews are currently working in the Los Alamos townsite, with some follow up work in White Rock. Hexad’s crews are collecting data across the County into October 2025, assessing aerial and underground fiber-optic routes, some on private property.
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.
Non-County Projects:
The following construction projects 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. Please obey all traffic devices and slowdown in work zones.
Los Alamos National Laboratory to repave East Jemez Road
Los Alamos National Laboratory is 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 expected to be completed by the end of the month. Work hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. This paving work will be completed in two phases.
Los Alamos Police Commander Christopher Ross: “With increased congestion and delays expected during this project, we remind everyone to stay patient and drive safely. Allow extra time for your commute, stay alert, avoid distractions, and obey posted speed limits as well as traffic control signs and flaggers. Your attention to safety helps keep drivers and road crews safe.”
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 Sept. 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 pavement 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. Please obey all traffic devices and slowdown in the area of the special events.
Homecoming Parade, Central Avenue Road Closure on Sept. 19
Crews will be closing Central Ave. at 4th Street to Rose Street for the Homecoming Parade beginning at 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19. The parade begins at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. For questions regarding this event, contact Ryan Finn at Los Alamos High School at 505.663.2510.
Clean Up Los Alamos Day Sept. 20
Individuals and crews will be working across the community for Clean Up Los Alamos Day on September 20. Motorists are asked to watch for pedestrians along the sidewalks, shoulders, and in the medians of roadways across the County, as well as in parking lots and open spaces. Please slow down in the areas where people are working.
ULLRFest
Pajarito Mountain will host their annual ULLRFest event on Sept. 20. Increased traffic will be present along Camp May Road and in the area of the ski hill. Motorists are asked to slow down and be aware of increased presence of pedestrians and bicyclists.