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Wednesday, July 31, 2002

Construction on East Jemez Road begins Monday

Motorists who don't live or work on East Jemez Road will need to take an alternate route from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and on weekends during a series of road construction projects scheduled from early August through the end of September. They are part of an ongoing series of changes and improvements to public use roads owned by the Department of Energy to enhance the safety of Laboratory roadways.

"No road work will be done during daytime hours," said Ed Hoth of Utilities and Infrastructure (FWO-UI) and the Lab's acting traffic engineer. "We want to minimize any inconvenience to our work force and the community," he said.

"During evening and weekend construction hours, however, the heavily traveled road will be open to one lane of traffic using flaggers and a pilot car for traffic control. It will be closed to 'thru' traffic. FWO recommends that motorists and cyclists use alternate routes at these times," Hoth said.

From Aug. 5 until Aug. 24, crews will widen East Jemez Road from west of the Los Alamos County Landfill to the Royal Crest mobile home community intersection, making turning movements safer and improving sight distance.

Within this same time frame, crews also will be milling East Jemez Road from Diamond Drive to NM 4. The anticipated completion date for this project also is Aug. 24.

Upon completion of the milling project on East Jemez Road, FWO-UI will repave East Jemez Road from Diamond Drive to NM 4. This should be completed by the end of September, weather permitting.

"We are aware that despite our precautions, these disruptions will cause delays," Hoth said. "So we're are asking for increased preparation and patience on the part of drivers while we make these improvements. We want everyone to arrive safely at their destinations."

For more information, contact Hoth at 5-6002 or write to ejhoth@lanl.gov by electronic mail, or Crystal Rodarte, assistant traffic engineer at 5-7690 or write to crystal@lanl.gov by electronic mail.

Tips for driving through construction zones

As drivers approach construction zones they may experience delays. Drivers should remain extremely alert to changing road conditions and traffic flow patterns for their own safety and for the safety of construction crews. Utilities and Infrastructure (FWO-UI) urges drivers to observe the following safety guidelines in and around work zones:

  1. Plan ahead: Allow plenty of time to take into account any construction projects you may encounter.
  2. Slow down. Follow posted speed limits. When you see a sign that says, "Road Work 1,500 Feet," you will be in a construction zone very quickly. Don't resume normal speed until you see the signs indicating it's safe to do so.
  3. Stay alert: Watch for warning signs and changing conditions at all times. Avoid cell phone or radio distractions, as well as those of other stopped cars or construction.
  4. Leave room: Maintain a safe distance between you and the car ahead and an adequate safety zone when stopped to allow time for defensive driving. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, construction equipment and workers. Note: According to Allen Jones of Industrial Hygiene and Safety (HSR-5) and the Lab's traffic safety coordinator, the proper following distance is four seconds.
  5. Keep your cool: Don't allow impatient or speeding motorists to cause you to alter your own good driving habits. Remember, the temporary inconvenience of a construction zone will pay off with an improved road.
  6. Buckle up: Always wear a seat belt. Buckle up and make sure children are seated in an approved car safety seat installed according to vehicle and car seat manufacturer's recommendations.

-- Fran Talley

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Questions? Contact the Newsbulletin at newsbulletin@lanl.gov or 667-6103. 

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