Drivers in the right lane shown here are encouraged 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. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

The evening commute heading east out of Los Alamos townsite via Main Hill (N.M. 502) 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 Avenue generally between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Two eastbound lanes east of the Roundabout extend for approximately 1,000 feet before they merge into one. During most of the congested time, the right most lane is not being fully utilized with drivers typically beginning their merge to the left lane before Arroyo Lane. This leaves more than 500 feet of unused potential vehicle storage space (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.