LANL News:

The National Nuclear Security Administration, a semi-autonomous agency of the U.S. Department of Energy, has directed Los Alamos National Laboratory to increase its security, effective immediately.

LANL is the only Laboratory in the DOE Complex under this increase in security. Spokesman Kevin Roark responded to an email request from the Los Alamos Daily Post this afternoon for additional information, saying simply that the Lab cannot elaborate as to what has spurred the order for heightened security.

Because of this government order, until further notice all vehicles entering government property will be required to stop at the East and West Jemez Road “Vehicle Access Portals” (VAPs) for a vehicle check. Pajarito Road remains open to government badge holders only, so vehicles are already required to stop at the Pajarito Road VAPs, and this will not change.

Large delivery-type vehicle restrictions currently in place also will not change.

During the new vehicle checks all drivers will be required to show picture identification (DOE badge or valid driver’s license) before proceeding, and will be asked to vouch for other vehicle occupants. The vehicle stops will be conducted as rapidly as possible to reduce traffic delays.

Motorists traveling through Los Alamos to and from the Pajarito Ski Area, Bandelier National Monument, or the Jemez Mountains are strongly encouraged to use the West Road bypass in Los Alamos to avoid traffic delays.