Road Construction Update: Week of October 25, 2021
The projects listed in this section are being managed by County Public Works staff through contractors. For more information, please e-mail lacpw@lacnm.us, call 662-8150, or visit the “Projects/Public Works” link at http://www.losalamosnm.us. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones. Please note the below information is based on a schedule provided by the contractors and may change due to weather or other delays.
Canyon Rim Trail Underpass
As the project nears completion, motorists may experience intermittent flagging operations on NM502 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to miscellaneous construction operations.
Due to the amount of construction activity that includes trenching, excavation and utility relocation near the trailhead, the trailhead parking lot, and a 100 ft. section of the trail near the trailhead will be closed for safety. AUI will be hauling excess material from project site to a site off DP Road. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to stay alert for construction personnel and equipment and use caution traveling through the work zone.
North Mesa Roadway and Utilities Improvement Project (Casa de Oro)TLC Plumbing and Utility continues road and utility improvements on Alamo Rd, Capulin Rd, Tsankawi St, Oro Ct, Tsankawi Ct, Cedro Ct, and Big Rock Loop South. Residents will continue receiving landscaping remediation around the newly installed water cans and sidewalks. Grading and paving of portions of Capulin Rd, Alamo Rd, and Tsankawi St will continue next week. Work hours are 7a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday, weather permitting.
Traffic signs and devices will shift vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic around work zones. Access to residents as well as services such as mail delivery, emergency services, school bus routes, trash and recycling collection will be maintained. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised to be alert for construction personnel and equipment and use caution traveling through the work zone.
Leisure Lagoon (addition to the Aquatic Ctr.)The contractor is tentatively scheduled to pave the bike lane and re-work the curb, gutter and sidewalk across the back drive beginning October 29 through November 5.
The bike lane along Canyon Road adjacent to the construction area remains closed pending repaving. Bicyclists are encouraged to ride in the driving lane as the material in the bike lane is soft. The sidewalk is open from the Nature Center to the back drive of the Aquatic Center. From there, pedestrians can walk in the bike lane area between the traffic control devices and construction fence.
The public is also reminded that the “back driveway” to the Aquatic Center is closed to the public due to construction. Please do not use this area to access the trail. Please use the trail entrance at the Nature Center to then travel behind the Aquatic Center.
Utilities Department Projects:
The projects listed in this section are being managed by County Dept. of Public Utilities staff. Please slow down and use caution within the construction work zones.
Waterline Replacement on State Rd 4 at E. Jemez Rd
RMCI, under contract with the DPU, will replace a section of 16-inch waterline in the shoulder of NM State Rd 4 at E Jemez Rd (Truck Route) ahead of the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation road rehabilitation project.
Northbound traffic: No lane closures. Barrier walls along the shoulder of the northbound lane on NM State Rd 4 at E Jemez Rd remain in place. Crews will test, disinfect, and flush the new waterline and then tie it into the water system.
Southbound traffic: A lane closure is planned for the right turn lane for southbound traffic on NM State Rd 4 at the E Jemez Rd intersection. Crews will bore and jack under NM4 from west to east. A barrier wall will be erected in the southbound road shoulder for the bore pit.
Asphalt/Concrete Repairs Various Locations Around White Rock and Los Alamos
Under contract with the DPU, GM Emulsion will begin repairs to emergency utility asphalt and concrete cuts that occurred during the winter. Crews will rotate to various locations throughout White Rock and Los Alamos neighborhoods. Traffic control equipment, such as signage, barrels and barricades will be erected around the work zones. Flagging operations may be deployed to assist with traffic flow. Crews will begin at 8 a.m. and work until 5 p.m. Most locations slated for repairs are on residential streets and should take less than one day. Traffic impacts should be minimal.
Non-County Projects:
The following road construction updates are posted below in the interest of keeping residents informed but are being managed or conducted by others. Please obey all traffic devices and slowdown in work zones.
Los Alamos Canyon (Omega) Bridge Repairs (LANL):
The Omega Bridge and the walkway/bike path reopened Oct. 19. The crew will return in November to replace the expansion joints.
The most recent improvements include:
- A permanent fence has been installed on the walkway.
- All repairs to the hand railing have been completed. Crews touched up the paint on the railings.
- Crews completed work on the gutter, which will capture and remove rainwater, helping extend the life of the bridge.
Tunnel Work Under Diamond Drive (LANL):
Diamond Drive is expected to reopen with one lane in each direction on Nov. 12. Work continues as crews complete installation of the ramp in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and sidewalks.
Drivers are asked to adhere to the speed limits. Drivers have been seen speeding, especially on Bikini Atoll, Mercury, and Pajarito roads. Detours and construction routes may take longer than expected. Be aware of pedestrians crossing the street and yield the right of way to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Access to Pajarito Rd is available via a detour through Bikini Atoll Rd. Access to buildings on the west side of Diamond remains the same. On the east side, parking lots can be accessed near Eniwetok. Parking areas near Grable Rd also are open. For access to Utilities and the steam plant, use Grable Rd. TA-03 parking lots aren’t affected.
DP Rd (Work related to Canyon Walk Apts and The Bluffs – Bethel Development) Qualcon Builders, LLC – 120 DP Rd Utility Infrastructure Replacement and Roadway Reconstruction
The majority of the roadway construction activities have now been completed. Next week, work will include construction of remaining sidewalk sections, and clean up and grading along the sides of the roadway. These activities will impact DP Rd from Trinity Dr to Fire Station #2 with segments of the roadway periodically restricted to one-lane traffic controlled by a flagger. One-lane traffic restrictions will occur only during hours of construction potentially from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The contractor work on DP Rd is related to the new Canyon Walk Apartments (under construction) and The Bluffs senior housing (soon to be constructed). The roadway reconstruction includes installation of curb and gutter, sidewalks and paving of the roadway. All construction activities related to the reconstruction of DP Road are now expected to be completed by the end of October.