Los Alamos County Transportation Board weighed in on the N.M. 4 crossing and multi-use trail improvements during its Feb. 6 meeting. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Plans for the N.M. 4 crossing and multi-use trail improvements are moving forward and while those plans do not include a traffic light at either the Sherwood Boulevard or La Vista intersections, the idea to install a signal is not abandoned.

During its meeting Feb. 6, the Los Alamos County Transportation Board approved 5-1, with board member Joshua Muck opposed, to recommend to the County Council the following option to improve pedestrian crossings on N.M. 4:

• A mid-block crossing, located approximately 600 feet east of the La Vista Drive intersection. A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (aka HAWK signal) that would be activated when a pedestrian needs to cross the street. It was explained that once the signal is activated by a pedestrian, the amber lights begin flashing before going to a solid amber, then display a solid red signal. This series of indications provide information to drivers that they need to slow down and then stop for pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrians have a solid Don’t Walk signal when the amber lights are on and then a Walk signal once the traffic signal turns red. The pedestrian crossing would also include a median island where pedestrians can stop.

In addition, the board agreed to recommend that County staff continue to pursue a traffic signal at Sherwood Boulevard and N.M. 4 and continue to work with Los Alamos Public Schools on a connector trail along the west side of Pinon Elementary School.

The project doesn’t stop with the pedestrian crossing. Project Manager Keith Wilson said there are also plans to reallocate the space from one of the two westbound traffic lanes on N.M. 4 and in its place install a new multi-use trail. The trail would be separated from the roadway with an 18-inch high and 18-inch-wide curb.

According to Wilson’s presentation, there are a number of reasons behind these recommendations.

Regarding the mid-block crossing, it was stated that a few of the pros are:

• Minimal pedestrian exposure
• Shorter vehicular delays than a standard traffic signal
• Convenient route for major destinations

The pros for the lane reduction include:

• Reduce construction costs by utilizing the roadway
• Traffic is calmed to help moderate the 35 mph speed limit
• Improve safety at the midblock crossing by shortening the crossing distance
• Allow for reestablishing the westbound lane if needed for traffic capacity in the future

As far as the timeline for the project, Wilson reported to the board that “we continue to refine the design … we are expecting a final design for review at the end of May timeframe and then submittal of the final design in June. Depending on what’s going on with the design we may come back to the board before the design is finalized, or we may come after and report (on) how it turned out. Right now, with the funding we have, or we think we have, we should be going out to bid in the early fall and depending on the contractor … we could be starting construction at the end of the year and depending again on the contractor it could be a 6-to-12-month construction phase.”

Regarding the hawk signal, Muck asked if there was a way to alert drivers on side streets, who might be turning onto N.M. 4, that the hawk signal is on.

“Is there a way to put flashers in the road to at least let just about everyone in the area know that hey, pedestrians are crossing,” he said.

Wilson said the hope is when drivers turn on to N.M. 4, they will see the signal as well as the mid-block crossing.

Muck also recommended cutting foliage so drivers will be better able to see pedestrians.

Board member Nancy Talley said she has seen HAWK signals in action and can attest that they are effective.

“The compliance is very high with those so I think it would be a good treatment at that location,” she said.

Members of the public who spoke during public comment seemed skeptical about the HAWK signal’s and mid-block crossing’s effectiveness. Several advocated for a traffic signal at the La Vista and Sherwood Intersections.

Some speakers said the mid-block crossing’s location was inconvenient and people would just jay-walk rather than go to the crossing. Others advocated for including the Mirador developers in conversations with the state about installing a traffic signal. Wilson reported that the traffic numbers do not support the state’s requirement for a traffic signal but once the Mirador developers complete their mixed-use development, a traffic signal will be permitted at the Sherwood Intersection.

Several doubted the accuracy of the traffic study conducted in December to see if removing the westbound lane would be feasible. Wilson reported that a video taken in December revealed that most traffic occurred 5-8 a.m. with 95 percent traveling in one of two westbound lanes, with the majority of that in the right-hand lane. The rest of the day revealed traffic was evenly disbursed over all lanes.

However, a few residents questioned this since the video was taken near the holidays and wasn’t representative of a typical scenario on N.M. 4.

In response to the public’s desire for a traffic signal, board member Paul Lisowski said, “It seems like the public is really interested in having traffic lights. Is it possible to ask the state for an exemption due to the fact there is very high traffic volume at certain times of the day and only have those lights operational during those times?”

Wilson said it really isn’t possible because the state adheres to a warrant system and if a traffic signal isn’t warranted, it could cause problems. There needs to be cross street traffic to warrant a signal.
Public Works Director Eric Martinez added the County could ask the state for a waiver, but it would likely get denied.

To identify an alternative that suits everyone’s needs, Muck wondered if the mid-block crossing could be scratched in favor of overpasses similar to the ones by Los Alamos High School on Diamond Drive.

Martinez said there are constraints associated with that option due to the basalt rock in the area. Removing it for the overpasses’ foundation would be costly. Another constraint, he said, is there is a substantial utility corridor in that area and modifying that to accommodate the overpass would exceed the funds awarded for the project. Considering the circumstance, board member Georgia Strickfaden said she felt the mid-block crossing was the best option.

“Putting in a HAWK signal does not exclude there ever being a traffic light, but it will make it a little bit safer … Also, the HAWK signal will connect to the trail system that goes through Pinon Park and gets them (students) to that school … so they are not mutually exclusive, so I am comfortable with advancing this motion …,” she said.

Board Chairman David Hampton agreed, saying he felt this was the best option available.

Residents, many who live in the Mirador housing development, are advocating for a traffic signal at La Vista Drive and N.M. 4. While Los Alamos County staff report that the traffic numbers do not support a signal, they are proposing a mid-block crossing and HAWK signal at the N.M. 4 and La Vista Drive. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

The intersection at N.M. 4 and Sherwood Boulevard is another location where residents would like to see a traffic signal. Once Mirador completes its mixed-use development, the state transportation department is expected to approve a signal to be installed at this intersection. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com