County: Work Has Resumed On Improvements To NM4/East Jemez Road Intersection

Primary work areas at the NM 4/East Jemez Road intersection/Photo Courtesy LAC

The intersection of NM4 and East Jemez Road where work resumes Apr. 3 Photo Courtesy LAC

COUNTY NEWS RELEASE

Crews resumed construction this week on a project to improve the intersection of NM 4 and East Jemez Road.

During Phase 1-B, expected to last about two months, through late May 2023, crews are working on both sides of NM 4 as well as on the north shoulder of E. Jemez Road. The following traffic impacts are in place:

• Access to the parking area for the Bandelier National Monument Tsankawi Unit will be COMPLETELY CLOSED as of Monday, April 3. No alternate access will be provided while the National Park Service builds a new parking area and access road to align with the improvements being made as part of this project. The new access is expected to be open in late October 2023.

• Crews are removing the median islands and placing detour pavement at the intersection of NM 4 and E. Jemez Road.

• The existing traffic signal will be removed and a temporary signal will be installed.

• The speed limit throughout the construction area is reduced to 35 MILES PER HOUR.

During construction, all existing travel lanes on NM 4 and E. Jemez Road will remain open during peak travel times – 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Any lane closures will occur during non-peak hours and flaggers will direct traffic. All construction is weather permitting and is subject to change without notice.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down and give themselves additional time to reach their destination. More construction phases will follow, with the project expected to be completed in late 2023.

About NMDOT Project CN 5100480

The project is being funded by the U.S Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as part of a settlement agreement with the State of New Mexico and is being constructed in cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The intent of the project is to reduce commute times for workers of Los Alamos National Laboratory, particularly those returning home in the evening hours, as well as well as improve safety and drainage in the area. The project includes new roadway construction of NM 4 and East Jemez Road, improvements to storm drainage, new curb and gutter, new retaining walls, ADA ramps, intersection warning flashers, a new traffic signal, new lighting and roadway signing and striping.

Contact for more information: Patti Watson – 505-245-3134 (direct office); 505-269-9691 cell; 1-800-687-3417 (toll-free); pattiw@cwastrategic.com