COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Public Works staff manages the projects listed in this section through contractors. For more information, 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. Note: the information below is based on a schedule provided by the contractors and may change due to weather or other delays. 

Piñon School Access Road Construction Begins

Construction crews with Jaynes Corporation will continue the Piñon Elementary School access road project, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 10. The project involves road and drainage improvements for the north access road to the school. 

The current Piñon access road at Sherwood Boulevard will be closed for the duration of the project. Pedestrian access to the tennis courts will be provided, and parking will be available in the Piñon Park/Splash Pad parking lot. Pedestrians should follow all detour signs. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and should avoid entering the work zone.

Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the addition of weekends, as needed. Residents can expect large equipment and construction noise. To minimize disruption, the contractor will notify affected business owners and residents for certain construction logistics and traffic changes as work progresses. Services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, school bus, transit, and emergency services will be maintained.

Direct questions, concerns, or special access needs to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. The County thanks residents and business owners in advance for their cooperation and patience. For project details, visit the Jaynes Corp project webpage. Direct project-specific questions to Jaynes Corporation Project Manager Ruben Medina at ruben.medina@jaynescorp.com.

Performing Arts Center Parking Lot Closure

Access to the parking lot at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) building (a.k.a. “Little Theatre”) at 1670 Nectar St. is closed to the public. The closure will allow a much-needed health and safety-focused renovation project to begin, aimed at improving the fire safety response time in case of emergencies. The project also includes abatement of asbestos materials from the ceilings and flooring of the PAC. The County secured the services of R & M Construction, LLC, to install a Fire Suppression System, and Southwest Hazard Control, Inc., to perform asbestos abatement services.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October. For more information, contact Sayeda at sobia.sayeda@lacnm.us or 505.661.2051.

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 the addition of Fridays and weekends, as needed.

A full road closure on Bathtub Row from Juniper Street to Peach/Nectar Street, including the intersection of Peach Street and Bathtub Row, is in place to allow for construction activities of the new electrical lines. An additional full road closure on Nectar Street from Bathtub Row and just past 19th Street is in place for the crews to install the new water, broadband, and electrical lines. Community Field may be accessed from Peach Street only.

Direct questions, concerns, or special access needs to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150.

DP Road Phase II Reconstruction Project Updates

TLC Plumbing & Utility is working 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (weather permitting). Parking will continue at designated areas south of Ace Hardware and south of the Los Alamos Fire Training Academy (Station #2). Flaggers will direct traffic during lane closures for crews working in the area.

Construction Operations:

• Concrete operations will continue as crews install new sidewalks, curbs, and gutters from CrossFit Gym west toward the Fire Station #2. Driveway reconstruction and concrete operations in front of businesses should also be anticipated.
• Asphalt paving will occur behind the north sidewalk between the Fire Station #2 and the CrossFit Gym. Driveway reconstruction in front of businesses should be anticipated.
• Asphalt paving of the roadway will continue between the Fire Station and the TA-21 gate and will require flaggers to direct traffic.
• Comcast will be on site, relocating communication pedestals and communication lines at various locations between the CrossFit Gym and Fire Station #2.

Questions and concerns should be sent to Public Works at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. For additional project details, visit the DP Road Reconstruction Project.

Traffic & Streets Projects:  

Los Alamos County Traffic & Streets Division staff manages the projects listed in this section. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Call Daniel Blea, Traffic and Streets Manager, at 505.663.8112 for concerns.  

Parking Lot Striping Continues

The Traffic and Streets Division continue striping county owned parking lots until the project is completed. Work will begin daily at 6:30 a.m. and end by 4:30 p.m. Crews will work with each building occupant to coordinate relocating vehicles and closing parking lots. The public is asked to be mindful of crews and striping equipment, follow all traffic control signs, and avoid driving on the freshly painted stripes.

Wayfinding Sign Project Continues

The County Signs & Markings and Traffic Electrician crews will continue installing new wayfinding poles and signs throughout the county. They are currently installing the poles and signs on the shoulder of NM-502/East Road. Please be mindful of the crew and equipment.

Utilities Projects:  

The County Dept. of Public Utilities (DPU) staff manages the projects listed in this section. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Contact the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333, CustomerCare@lacnm.us or visit ladpu.com/Projects.

Roadway Sag at N.M. 4 and Rover Boulevard:

No water leak was found under the westbound lane of N.M. 4 in White Rock, just past Rover Boulevard. A short section of road developed a sag, and the cause is not apparent. The westbound lane closed for paving operations Friday, June 20, and westbound traffic is being detoured through White Rock between Rover and Sherwood boulevards.

Bryce Avenue Asphalt Replacement:

Contractor Franco Builders will be replacing asphalt on Bryce Avenue as the final step in repairs following a broken water main. The asphalt will be replaced in front of 406, 412 and 418 Bryce Ave. Drivers will see signs for road work and cones around the work areas against the edge of the road. Sidewalks along the work areas will be closed. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

LAFD Hydrant Testing Continues

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will continue testing fire hydrants throughout the county through Sept. 1. 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 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. Residents should also avoid washing laundry until the water runs clear. 

Direct questions or concerns about this annual maintenance to 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 will construct a new water tank on West Road and install a water pipeline between West Road and Camp May Road up to the Camp May campground. On West Road, work will primarily take place on the shoulder.

Camp May Road will be closed Monday–Thursday for the duration of the project. Trails accessible from Camp May Road will also be closed for hikers, bikers, and other recreationists. More information on this project can be found here.

Western Area Park Sewer Reconstruction Project:

DPU’s contractor, DUB-L-EE Construction, will continue trench work in Western Area Park for a sewer main replacement project. The park will remain open, with work zones and staging areas closed off.

During the project, a staging area at the eastern end of the park, near the entrance from UNM-LA property, will be set up and closed off. The basketball court will also be closed as it will be used to stage heavy equipment to prevent damage to the lawn.

While the work is ongoing, park users may experience limited access to certain park areas, noise disruptions and detours. Park users are asked to respect safety barricades and stay away from work zones. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Los Alamos County appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this important improvement. For more information, contact DPU Project Manager Casey Aumack at casey.aumack@lacnm.us or 505.663.1830.

Non-County Projects:

Los Alamos County does not fund the following construction projects. Updates are included to keep residents informed of potential traffic impacts. Direct questions to the parties identified within each description. Please obey all traffic devices and slow down in work zones.

Longview Drive Road Closure and Construction

WR Land Investment, LLC began work on Longview Drive in White Rock. Friday, which will continue through Sept. 11. A road closure will remain in place during the entire project. The project includes demolition of existing buildings, installation of infrastructure, and construction of a new subdivision. The winding road adjacent to Longview Drive will be open during the project. If needed, there is a “turnaround” location on the west side of the road closure. Direct questions or concerns regarding this project to Philip Gurskey at 267.816.0299.

Hill Apartments & Realignment of 35th Street at Trinity (N.M. 502)/Pavilion Construction:

Construction activities are almost completed on the south side of Trinity Drive near the new 35th Street intersection. Installation of the Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at the pedestrian crosswalk will be constructed at a later date. Traffic Control devices will be set up for minor pavement corrections for limited periods to protect the workers, while both eastbound and westbound lanes will remain open. Motorists and bicyclists will need to share the road when asked. Both sidewalks are open.

Direct questions, concerns, or special access needs to Pavilion Construction at 469.907.6045.

Special Event Impacts:

Los Alamos County does not host all events noted on this list. Updates are included to keep residents informed of potential traffic impacts. Direct questions to the parties identified within each description. Please obey all traffic devices and slow down in the area of the special events.

Los Alamos ScienceFest Night Market and Discovery Day:

The annual ScienceFest events kicked off June 20 with the Night Market as part of the Summer Concert Series, and today, June 21, with ScienceFest Discovery Day. The Los Alamos downtown area will experience a significant increase in vehicle, shuttle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, especially around Ashley Pond Park and Fuller Lodge. Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for others. For more information, visit the event website www.losalamossciencefest.com or contact Alison Watkins at 505.551.8003.

Key Traffic Impacts:

June 21 Road Closure – Central Avenue from 20th Street to Oppenheimer Drive will be closed during the Discovery Day event, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (The Justice Center parking lot will be closed during this time.)

Event Information – Discovery Day – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Ashley Pond Park.

2025 Los Alamos County Summer Concert Series

The Summer Concert Series, held every Friday from May 23–Sept. 5, 2025, is held at Ashley Pond Park in downtown Los Alamos. Each Friday, 20th Street from Trinity Drive to Deacon Street will be closed in the afternoon until following the concert. The Los Alamos downtown area will experience a significant increase in vehicle, shuttle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, especially around Ashley Pond Park. Motorists are urged to slow down and watch for others. Direct questions regarding the Concert Series to the Community Services Department at 505.662.8170.