COUNTY News:

Public Works Projects: 

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. 

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 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:

• Trenching to install the new gas service to the main from approximately the CrossFit Gym to Fire Station #2 will be underway and will require one-lane closures.
• Concrete operations will continue, as crews install new curb and gutter from CrossFit Gym west towards Ace Hardware. Driveway reconstruction and concrete operations in front of businesses should be anticipated.
• Subgrade preparation of the roadway will continue between the Fire Station to the Cross Fit Gym and will require intermittent lane closures.
• Grading of the roadway will begin between the Fire Station and CrossFit Gym and will require intermittent lane closures with detours provided.
• Comcast will be on site, relocating communication pedestals and communication lines at various locations between the CrossFit Gym and Fire Station #2.

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

Traffic Alert: Ice Rink Chiller Installation

As part of installing a new chiller at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink, a 275-ton crane and four tractor-trailers will travel through Downtown Los Alamos 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, May 20.

Due to its substantial weight, the crane and the accompanying tractor-trailers cannot 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 (LAPD) will provide escorts for the crane as it travels up N.M. 502 and through the downtown area, if necessary. A temporary closure of West Road may be required to facilitate the crane’s entry into the Ice Rink parking lot and the LANL overflow parking lot under the Omega Bridge. This closure will be lifted once the crane and trailers have cleared the area.

The Public Works Department has developed a traffic control plan to assist with this operation. Crane activities are scheduled for May 21-22 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 Thursday, 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 LAPD will again provide escorts on NM502 as the crane leaves town. Residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling on NM502 and through town, particularly along West Road. Los Alamos County appreciates your understanding and patience as we complete this essential upgrade to the Ice Rink.

Direct questions to the Public Works Department at 505.662.8150.

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.

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 be patching asphalt sections on Terry Lane

There will be a moving flagging operation as needed. 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.

LAFD Hydrant Testing Begins

The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) will be testing fire hydrants throughout Los Alamos County May 19 through Sept. 1. The purpose of testing is to ensure that the hydrants will provide an adequate water supply for fire suppression and to flush out sediments that have accumulated in the water distribution system over the past year. 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 they are 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. It is also recommended that residents avoid washing laundry until the water runs clear. 

Questions or concerns about this annual maintenance can be directed 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. Find more information on this project 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.

Longview Drive Road Closure and Construction

WR Land Investment, LLC will continue work on Longview Drive in White Rock 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” on the west side of the road closure. Direct questions or concerns regarding this project to Philip Gurskey at 267.816.0299.

Hill Apartments and 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 be asked to share the road when asked. Both sidewalks are open.

All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to Pavilion Construction at 469.907.6045.