Los Alamos Transportation Board Meeting – August 6, 2026

The Los Alamos Transportation Board convened on August 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the County Council Chambers. Chair David Hampton presided. The meeting focused on updates for several public works projects, a report from the County Council liaison, and discussions on traffic safety, transit, and bicycle infrastructure. No formal votes were taken beyond the approval of minutes.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 4, 2026 and June 22, 2026 meetings.

Discussion Items

• Update on Public Works Projects – Eric Martinez, Public Works Director, presented a project update on behalf of Deputy Director Keith Wilson. Key projects highlighted include:
  • NM 502 Rumble Strips (completed May 2026)
  • Denver Steels Phase II (fully complete)
  • Trinity Drive Safety and ADA Improvements (construction began July 21, 2026; completion expected January 2027)
  • Ashley Pond Park Safety Improvements (Concept #3 approved by Council; moving into design)
  • Finch Street Extension (construction started July 13; completion December 2026)
  • NM-4 Crossing and Multi‑Use Trail (awaiting construction funding; bid advertisement September 2026)
  • Grand Canyon Slurry Seal (completed July 31)
  • Various pedestrian crossing improvements along Central Avenue (crosswalk installations underway)
  • Traffic calming and bulb‑out installations on Grand Canyon (awaiting quick‑curb materials)
  • LIDAR safety data collection collaboration with University of Nevada, Reno (presentation scheduled for September board meeting)
• Traffic and Transit Concerns – Board Member Paul Lisowski raised questions about roundabout capacity on North Mesa Road due to new development. Eric Ulibarri, County Engineer, responded that a traffic study found adequate capacity. Lisowski also asked about bus service to White Rock; Martinez noted ongoing hiring challenges but reported no recent driver losses and mentioned a transit study (due in October/November) to explore weekend and on‑demand service.
• Wildlife Warning Systems – Board Member Karen Edwards asked about using LIDAR instead of cameras for wildlife‑activated warning signs. Martinez replied that multiple technologies are being researched.
• Bicycle Infrastructure – Board Member Hermann Gepphert‑Kleinrath expressed concern that bike lanes on Trinity Drive and elsewhere lack physical separation, citing a personal near‑miss with a turning truck. He advocated for quick‑curb barriers and noted that continuous bike lane lines should prevent cars from using them as turn lanes, but enforcement remains an issue.
• County Council Liaison Report – Councilor Suzie Havemann reported on recent Council actions:
  • A proposed plastic bag ban failed on a 3‑3 tie vote.
  • A $230 million revenue bond was issued for workforce housing (Coyote Mesa).
  • Progress on the Climate Action Plan, including an upcoming RFP for countywide composting.
  • Planning and Zoning approved a site plan for the CB Fox redevelopment and a conditional use for a parking lot/food truck site on Diamond Drive (variance for tree buffer was denied).
  • School release times for Fridays changed to one hour earlier, affecting transit schedules.

Key Outcomes

• Meeting was informational; no motions or votes were taken beyond the consent agenda.
• Upcoming presentations: Fairway Drive project (September) and LIDAR technology (September).
• Staff noted the retirement of Signs & Markings Tech Anthony Jaramillo and welcomed new hires Ben Gonzalez and Brian Romero (Engineering) and Seth Drop (Traffic Electrician).