COUNTY News:
As part of the installation of a new chiller at the Los Alamos Ice Rink, a 275-ton crane and four tractor-trailers will be making their way, 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday May 20, through Downtown Los Alamos.
Due to its substantial weight, the crane and accompanying tractor-trailers will not be able to cross the Omega Bridge. Instead, they will travel up the Main Hill via N.M. 502/East Road, proceed along Trinity Drive to Diamond Drive, and finally turn onto West Road to reach the Ice Rink.
The Los Alamos Police Department will provide escorts, if necessary, for the crane as it travels up N.M. 502 and through the downtown area.
To facilitate the crane’s entry into the Ice Rink parking lot and the LANL overflow parking lot under the Omega Bridge, a temporary closure of West Road may be required. This closure will be lifted once the crane and trailers have successfully cleared the area.
The Public Works Department has developed a traffic control plan to assist with this operation. Crane activities are scheduled for May 21 and 22 and will be confined within the Ice Rink parking lot, with no anticipated impact to West Road during this work.
Access to the Ice Rink Trailhead may be restricted during this time, as the front and west parking lots will be closed May 19 through May 22. Traffic control measures will be implemented along West Road starting Monday, May 19. The Los Alamos Ice Rink front and LANL overflow parking lots will be closed noon May 19 until the afternoon of May 22.
The crane is expected to depart Thursday, May 22, following the same route used for its arrival, outside of peak traffic hours. The Los Alamos Police Department will again provide escorts on N.M. 502 as the crane leaves town.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling on N.M. 502 and through town, particularly along West Road.
Los Alamos County appreciates the community’s understanding and patience while completing this essential upgrade to the Ice Rink. Direct questions to the Public Works Department at 505.662.8150.