Public invited to Dec. 5 Transportation Committee meeting in White Rock about proposed NM4 crossing and nearby multi-use trail improvements – Los Alamos reporter

Map of the NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvements Project. Courtesy of LAC

District press releases

The Los Alamos County Public Works Department invites the public to attend a public input meeting on the upcoming NM4 Crossing and Multi-Use Trail Improvements Project.

This project includes the design and construction of both new and reconstructed multi-use trails along NM4 between Sherwood Blvd. and La Vista Dr. and in Piñon Park. The planned improvements will improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Link to the presentation of the public meeting on December 5, 2024. (PDF, 6 MB)

Key features of the project include:

*Approximately 3,500 feet of existing multi-use trails will be reconstructed to improve user experience and accessibility.

*Approximately 2,500 feet of new multi-use trail alignment will be added, providing additional trails for multimodal transportation and recreational use.

*A lane reduction on NM4 is currently being considered to reduce the westbound lanes from the existing two lanes to one, allowing a mid-block crossing of NM4. The need for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) is also being examined to further improve the mid-block crossing.

For more information about this project, visit: https://www.losalamosnm.us/County-Projects/NM4-Crossing-and-Multi-Use-Trail-Improvement-Project

We encourage the public to attend a presentation at the upcoming Transportation Board meeting where your insights and feedback will be critical to addressing the needs of our community.

The meeting will be held on December 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Fire Station 3 in White Rock, New Mexico.

Zoom link for virtual participation: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81357060773

If you are unable to attend the public meeting but would still like to submit comments, please email them to [email protected] by December 12, 2024.

Community members are encouraged to participate and contribute to this important project. For more information, please contact the Los Alamos County Public Works Department at 505-662-8150.

The Project scope is as follows:

“Los Alamos County has received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funding from the New Mexico DOT for the design and construction of a new multi-use trail along the north side of NM4 and the reconstruction of the existing multi-use trail along the south side of NM4 with connection to one new improved mid-block railroad crossing over NM4 between La Vista Drive and Sherwood Boulevard in White Rock.

“As part of the design process, a reduction of lanes on NM4 will be examined to reduce the westbound direction from the existing two lanes to one, as well as the need for a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK) to further improve the mid-block intersection. The project also proposes construction of a trail network within the Pinon Park County-owned open space that will include new trail alignments and reconstruction of select existing trail alignments originally constructed in the late 1980s where the road surface has exceeded its useful life and no longer ADA compliant.

“The project will include approximately 2,500 feet of new multi-use trail alignment and approximately 3,500 feet of reconstructed multi-use trail alignment along NM4 and within county-owned Pinon Park. The county is also in discussions with Los Alamos Public Schools to obtain an easement that would allow reconstruction of the existing trail route along the west side of Pinon School from Pinon Park to the Grand Canyon.

“This project supports two of the Council’s strategic objectives; Investing in infrastructure and improving communications. This project provides for maintenance and improvements to the existing infrastructure. Improving the strategic communication objective will be achieved by engaging the public and coordinating citizen participation and feedback as a key part of the project development process.”

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