COUNTY News:

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 currently 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 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Direct questions and concerns 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 from 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

To ensure public safety and facilitate the construction of a retaining wall for the Urban Trail Phase II, Los Alamos County Public Works Department announced the closure of a segment of Canyon Road between the Jewish Center and 300 feet west of 15th Street (see attached map).

Key Details:

• Closure Period: May 24, beginning at 10 a.m. through June 3
• Access: Los Alamos Nature Center, Canyoncito Montessori School, The United Church, and the Jewish Center accessible via Central Avenue; Pueblo Canyon Trail Loop Trailhead accessible from 15th Street.
• Open for: Bicycle and pedestrian traffic.
• Detour: Central Avenue to 15th Street in both directions.
• Construction Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday (weekend work may be necessary).
• Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to use caution and avoid work zones. Thank you for your cooperation!
• 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.

Courtesy/LAC

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

Courtesy/LAC

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 beginning Monday, 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.

Overlook Park

The section of trail at Overlook Park between Spirio Soccer Field and Softball Field 3 will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, beginning Tuesday, May 28. This closure is necessary for work on interconnecting the irrigation system with the potable water system as a backup to the reclaimed water that is typically used to water the fields. This work is expected to last into October. 

Courtesy/LAC

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 for concerns at 505.663.8112.  

ChamberFest 2024 Occurs Saturday, June 1

The Chamber of Commerce annual ChamberFest is Saturday, June 1 on Central Avenue between 15th and 20th streets. The road will be closed 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Detours will be in place. Watch for  pedestrians, crews and traffic control devices. For more information, contact Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce Director Ryn Herrmann at 505.660.1191.

Vegetation Control Continues Countywide

Crews will continue vegetation control efforts countywide. Please watch for crews and equipment. Asphalt Patching on 46th, 47th and 48th streets off Yucca Street begins Tuesday, May 28.

Weather permitting, crews will be patching asphalt at intersections off Yucca Street at 46th, 47th and 48th streets. A flagging operation will be in place as needed. Work will continue until completed. Construction hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Guardrail Repairs Continue on Diamond Drive Tuesday, May 28

Valley Fence Company, under contract with Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets, will repair guardrails on Diamond Drive between Arkansas Avenue and Sandia Drive. 

The work will begin west of the Arkansas and Diamond intersection. The westbound right lane will be closed, and traffic will be diverted to the left lane. Bicycle and vehicle traffic will share the left lane. Crew members will guide pedestrian traffic through the work zone.

Weather permitting, this work will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, and is anticipated to be completed by 4 p.m. If necessary, the project may be delayed until later in the week.

For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact Streets Superintendent Daniel Campos at 505.500.7321. 

Guardrail Repairs at Various Locations continues:

Under contract with Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets, Valley Fence Company will repair guardrails on Camp May Road in several locations. Flagging operations will be in place. Most locations are on curves or hillsides. Drivers must slow down and watch for traffic control crews and devices.

For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact Streets Superintendent Daniel Campos at 505.500.7321.

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.

N.M. 4 and East Jemez Road Project (NMDOT):

Update as of Tuesday, May 21, 2024:

Crews are scheduled to complete the final activity on improvements to N.M. 4 and East Jemez Road by installing OGFC (open-graded friction course) to both roadways for about three days, from Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30, 2024.

OGFC is a thin, permeable layer of asphalt pavement that creates friction on the roadway to reduce vehicle slipping and/or sliding during wet weather.

During this work, there will be various lane closures in the project area.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution in the construction zone, slow down, expect delays and allow extra time to reach their destinations in the morning and evening.

All construction is weather permitting and is subject to change without notice. For more information, contact Patti Watson at pattiw@cwastrategic.com.