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 “Projects/Public Works” link at https://lacnm.com/pw-projects. 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.

DP Road Phase II Reconstruction Project Ramps-up

Los Alamos County Public Works Department, with contractor TLC Plumbing & Utility, is on its initial ramp-up for the project, and businesses and visitors will be progressively seeing construction activity. Parking restrictions began May 6 along the south side of DP Road. TLC is performing potholing of existing utilities in this area along the south side of DP Road and is also in the process of creating new parking just south of the ACE Hardware Store. Once the parking area is complete, it will be available for public parking. This is anticipated within the next week.

Los Alamos County has opened up an additional temporary parking area within the Los Alamos County parcel directly across and south of the Los Alamos Fire Training Academy. This area is also available to the public.

Work zone traffic control will be commencing soon. This will include a lane shift eastbound on DP Road from the Fire Academy property along the work zone to CrossFit Los Alamos Gym. Once traffic control is placed, please follow all work zone signs and exercise caution around the work zone. Flaggers may also be present to direct traffic during certain construction events, both east and westbound. Access to businesses will be maintained and westbound traffic from the TA-21 gate to the beginning of the project will be in its current alignment at this time.

Services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, and emergency services will be maintained. Businesses can expect large equipment and construction noise. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zone outside of designated detour paths.

Construction hours are currently Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All questions and concerns should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150.

 Rose Street Reconstruction Project

Los Alamos County Public Works Department is under contract with TLC Plumbing & Utility on the Rose Street Reconstruction Project for Rose Street from Central Avenue to Peach Street, including sections of Peach Street and Spruce Street.

The contractor will continue installing concrete sidewalks, curb and gutter, drive pads, and drop-inlets for the project. The contractor will also continue with tie-ins for gas line services next week. Coordination is being done by the Department of Public Utilities for all utility services.

To minimize disruption, crews will notify and coordinate with affected residents on certain construction logistics, utility upgrades, and traffic changes as work progresses. Motorists will need to follow the detour signs. The detours will ensure ingress and egress to residences. Residents can expect large equipment and construction noise.

Services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, school bus, transit, and emergency services will be maintained. 

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zone. Construction hours are planned 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. Public Works thanks residents for their cooperation and patience.

Urban Trail Phase I and II Project

Hasse Contracting Company Inc., under contract with Los Alamos County Public Works to construct the Urban Trail Phase I & II Multi-use Trail Project, will have construction activities at the following locations downtown and along and off Canyon Road.  

Weather permitting, areas impacted include:

• • • • • • Final grading and landscaping will continue during this week in the following areas. Periodic closures of the trail and sidewalks may be needed to accomplish this work. Pedestrian detours will be provided when this occurs.
            • Area 1: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds adjacent to Central Ave. and heading north towards the Romero Cabin
            • Area 2A: 20th St. from the Youth Activity Center driveway, north to the main access to 475 20th St.
            • Area 2B: 20th St. from Trinity Drive to Ashley Pond Park parking lot driveway
            • Work Zone Area 4: Within the Fuller Lodge grounds starting at the Romero Cabin and continuing north to Nectar Street

• Work Zone Area 3: Within the wooded area by the Canyon Road Tennis Courts – The tennis courts parking lot will be closed for the duration of the construction and utilized as a staging area by the contractor. Activities will include the construction of the piers for the precast boardwalk along the east and north sides of the work area and the excavation and construction of the trail alignment from Spruce Street.

• Work Zone Area 5: Peach and Ponderosa streets – The section of Peach Street between Nectar and Ponderosa streets will remain closed with traffic detoured to 19th St. The section of trail along Peach and Ponderosa has been opened to pedestrians. Additional construction activities will occur in this area, requiring periodic closures of the trail section. Pedestrian detours will be provided when this occurs.

• Work Zone Area 6: Canyon Road, Tennis Courts to Aquatic Center – The contractor will continue construction of the trail along the north side of Canyon Road between the Tennis Courts and the Nature Center driveway. The shoulder along this area’s north side of Canyon Road is closed. Two lanes of traffic will generally be maintained with flagger operations used when a lane is needed for construction vehicles to have access to the work area. Vehicles and bicyclists are asked to “share the road” where these shoulder closures are occurring.

Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zones. Construction hours are planned 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend work may be necessary if construction activities during the week are impacted by weather.

All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. Public Works thanks residents and businesses in advance for their cooperation and patience. For additional project details, visit the Public Works Department Urban Trail Project webpage.

Loma Linda Road Improvements Project

Los Alamos County Public Works Department, under contract with Albuquerque Asphalt, Inc. for the Loma Linda Road Improvements Project, is in its final stage with the installation of streetlights and punch list items. The project is scheduled for substantial completion end of May.

Ingress and egress to residents’ homes in the Loma Linda neighborhood will be maintained. The County is requesting residents park their vehicles in their driveways to allow the contractor room to work the area, services such as mail delivery, trash and recycling collection, school bus, and emergency services will be maintained and coordinated.  

Work zone traffic control will be in place, please proceed with caution around the large equipment. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to use caution around construction activities and avoid entering the work zone. Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All questions, concerns, or special access needs should be sent to the Public Works Department at lacpw@lacnm.us or call 505.662.8150. Public Works thanks residents for their cooperation and patience. 

Utilities Projects:

Los Alamos 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  505.662.8333, CustomerCare@lacnm.us, or visit ladpu.com/Projects.

Quemazon Place Road Repair Scheduled

Three gate valves in the Quemazon subdivision sprung leaks recently. The rushing water of the first two and subsequent repairs destroyed a section of roadway. Los Alamos County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets Division collaborated on a plan to fix the road that began May 6.

The work zone, which is on Quemazon between Tranquilo and Corona, is now open, and much of the roadway has been replaced. However, three smaller patches still need attention. Drivers are asked to exercise caution near the cones and barricades surrounding the remaining patches. Public Works crews will address these patches as soon as possible during dry weather.

The water breaks were due to corrosion on the underground piping system. DPU staff has developed a plan to proactively replace valve hardware in the subdivision as the pressure impact of repairs increases the likelihood of breaks to neighboring valves. While the valves themselves are still in good condition, the bolts and other hardware holding them together are corroding. Stainless steel replacements for these items are on order and DPU water crews are putting other preventive measures in place to try to prevent additional leaks.

Meadow Lane manhole work

A new sewer manhole will be placed in the middle of Meadow Lane in front of St Joseph’s Church on Monday, May 20. This is a Los Alamos Public Schools project; however, DPU is overseeing this portion of the project. Drivers are reminded to slow down and move cautiously through the work zone.

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 Traffic and Streets Manager Daniel Blea with concerns at 505.663.8112.  

Countywide Roadway Striping Continues

Signs and Markings crews will strip roadways countywide until the project is completed. Pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic are urged to slow down, avoid the painting equipment and crew and avoid driving on the wet paint.

Road Closure on Quemazon Place between Tranquilo and Sereno Continues

A water line break occurred Wednesday, April 24 on Quemazon Place. Utility crews removed large sections of roadway to make the required repairs. Another water main ruptured on Quemazon Place. between Sereno and Corona, sending water to the first location, destroying the prep work done by Streets to lay asphalt.

The work zone, which runs along Quemazon Place between Tranquilo and Sereno, is closed to through traffic for the duration of the repair and cleanup. Work will continue through May 17. A pedestrian detour will be in place. The sidewalk on the south side of Quemazon Place between Tranquilo and Corona will remain closed through the week. Traffic will be detoured through Tranquilo to Brisa Del bosque to Corona.

Vegetation Control Begins Countywide May 20

Crews begin vegetation control countywide on Monday, May 20. Please watch for crews and equipment.

Non-County Projects:

The following construction projects are not funded by Los Alamos County. 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 slowdown in work zones.  

Concrete Work on 35th St. off Trinity Drive Continues

In association with Pavilion Construction, Cornerstone Contractors, as part of the scope of work associated with the Hills Apartment Complex and the realignment of 35th Street at Trinity Drive (N.M. 502), will continue installing sidewalks, curb and gutter, and other concrete work along 35th Street off Trinity Drive.

Work will continue through May 24, daily beginning at 7 a.m. and finishing by 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and weekends as needed.

Motorists and bicyclists are asked to share the road. Sidewalk closures are posted, and pedestrians are asked to follow the signage and are asked to not enter the work zone. Motorists are asked to follow the traffic control signs. Please use caution around construction activities.

Direct questions, concerns or special access needs to Pavilion Construction at 469.907.6045 or contact Joseph Nevarez at 505.385.7746.