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Transportation Board recommends approval of FY 2026 Snow and Ice Control Plan
Summary
The Transportation Board voted to recommend approval of the FY 2026 Snow and Ice Control Plan after a presentation by new traffic and streets manager Tim Walker Foster, who emphasized a 24-hour initial storm response target, environmentally responsible deicing and updated vehicle-safety guidance.
The Los Alamos Transportation Board voted to recommend approval of the FY 2026 Snow and Ice Control Plan following a presentation by Tim Walker Foster, the county’s newly hired traffic and streets manager.
Walker Foster, a licensed civil engineer who said he has roughly 25 years of experience — including about 15 years in snow removal at Los Alamos National Laboratory — framed the plan around three priorities: safety, efficiency and cost-effective, environmentally responsible snow-and-ice control. “So overall, we focus on safety, efficiency, and cost effective snow and ice control,” he said.
The plan sets a goal of completing an initial storm response within 24 hours of the end of a typical snow event and prioritizes arterials, safe routes to school, transit routes and emergency response services. Walker Foster said the county can typically dedicate about 20 personnel per shift from traffic and streets, maintains an inventory of roughly 47 pieces of equipment, and can call on other departments and private contractors for extended or heavy operations. He described pre-wetting stockpiles and using magnesium chloride to reduce salt application and improve activation, noting the department prepares about 50 tons of material in advance of events.
Board members raised operational questions during a subsequent discussion. One member asked whether the county would adopt anti-icing methods used at Los Alamos National Laboratory; Walker Foster said the lab’s program is different and higher concentration, and that the county may explore spray anti-icing technologies in a future season. Another member flagged DP Road’s priority rating given new housing; staff said council recently approved a land purchase that could add roughly 300 housing units off DP Road and that the road’s prioritization will be revisited.
The plan also adds resident guidance and vehicle-safety tips; Walker Foster said those items were added to the plan’s safety section and a community guide with photos and QR codes is planned for publication before the season. When asked about airport priorities for helicopter medevac access, Walker Foster said he would coordinate with Airport Manager Gary Goddard and that airport staff historically supplement clearing outside taxiways and fuel areas.
An unidentified board member moved that the Transportation Board recommend approval of the FY 2026 Snow and Ice Control Plan; a second was made and the board voted in favor. The motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps identified in the presentation include preseason operator training in the fall, continued equipment orientation for new hires, and potential future evaluation of additional anti-icing technologies.
