COUNTY News:

Public Works Projects:

Los Alamos County Public Works’ staff manages the projects listed in this section through contractors. For more information, please email lacpw@lacnm.us, call 505.662.8150, or visit the County Projects page. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Please 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 begin the Piñon Elementary School access road project June 4, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 10, 2025. 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 of 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 https://www.jaynescorp.com/project/Piñon-elementary-school/

Direct project specific questions to Jaynes Corporation Project Manager Ruben Medina at ruben.medina@jaynescorp.com.

Performing Arts Center Parking Lot Closure

Beginning Monday, June 9, access to the parking lot at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) building (“Little Theatre”) at 1670 Nectar St. will be 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 2025. 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 from 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 towards Ace Hardware. Driveway reconstruction and concrete operations in front of businesses should also be anticipated.
• Grading of the roadway will continue between the Fire Station to the CrossFit Gym and will require flaggers to direct traffic.
• Asphalt paving will occur behind the north sidewalk between the Los Alamos Home Improvement (Ace Hardware) and the Cross Fit Gym. Driveway reconstruction in front of businesses should be anticipated.
• Asphalt paving will occur from the CrossFit Gym west toward Ace Hardware. Driveway reconstruction in front of businesses should be anticipated.
• Comcast will be on site, relocating communication pedestals and communication lines at various locations between the CrossFit Gym and Fire Station #2.

Direct questions and concerns 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 manage the projects listed in this section. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Direct questions to Traffic and Streets Manager Daniel Blea at 505.663.8112.  

Desert Wind Transports Oversized Loads June 13, 14, 15 in White Rock

Desert Wind Transport will be moving four portable classrooms from Chamisa Elementary School to White Rock Baptist Church in White Rock, Friday, June 13, Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. The first portable will be moved on Friday at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m., depending on the difficulty of loading the unit. The remaining three portables will be moved Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., Sunday, June 15, if needed, will complete any remaining portions of the project. The planned route begins at 301 Meadow Lane, then heads right on Rover Boulevard, then left on N.M. 4 to the White Rock Baptist Church at 80 N.M. 4.

Countywide Road Striping Continues

The Traffic and Streets Division will continue stripping various roadways across the County. The project will continue through mid-July. 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.

Asphalt Patching Continues

Weather permitting, crews will continue patching asphalt sections on Terry Lane and continue until completed. Work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A road closure on Terry Lane will detour through Deer Trail. Please be mindful of the crew and equipment.

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 N.M. 502/East Road. Please be mindful of the crew and equipment.

Utilities Projects:  

The County Department 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.

• Grand Canyon Drive Closure June 9 — A small section of Grand Canyon Drive, in front of Piñon Elementary School, will be closed for one day, June 9, so that Department of Public Utilities contractor J&E Utilities may tie in a water service line for the new school. The work is scheduled for the workday. No water service disruptions for the neighborhood are expected.
• 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, beginning Monday, June 9.

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 the 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 through 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 will be conducted 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. Questions should be directed to the parties identified within each description. Please obey all traffic devices and slow down in work zones.

• Archdiocese of Santa Fe Pilgrimages for Vocations June 12-13 — The Archdiocese of Santa Fe will be hosting its annual Pilgrimages for Vocations June 12 -13. The pilgrimage begins on Thursday west of Los Alamos County at Valles Caldera National Preserve and will travel down N.M. 4 to N.M. 502 (via the “back gate”). Beginning at noon, the pilgrimage will enter the townsite at the Omega Bridge and continue along Trinity Drive/N.M. 502, turning left on Oppenheimer Drive, then left on Canyon Road to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, where they will stay for the night. Friday morning, the pilgrimage will continue at 4:30 a.m., heading west on Canyon Road, left on Diamond Drive, and then left onto Trinity Drive/N.M. 502, proceeding to the Cities of Gold Casino. A lead and tail escort will be present. Please be cautious while approaching the procession. For more information, contact Lee Ann Llamas at 505.316.9076.
• LANL: Pajarito Road Paving Project Begins — LANL will begin a multi-phase milling and paving project on Pajarito Road on Monday, June 9, resulting in intermittent lane closures.
• Longview Drive Road Closure and Construction — WR Land Investment, LLC has begun work on Longview Drive in White Rock that will continue through Sept. 11, 2025. 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 regarding this project to Philip Gurskey at 267.816.0299.
• Hill Apartments and the Realignment of 35th Street at Trinity Drive (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.