Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves mid‑block HAWK beacon and trail on NM‑4 to improve school and pedestrian access
Summary
After a staff presentation and public input from Mirador residents, the county approved a mid‑block pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) on NM‑4 east of La Vista Drive, with a lane reduction to accommodate a multi‑use trail and DOT coordination to follow; vote was unanimous.
Los Alamos County Council approved a pedestrian hybrid beacon (HAWK) and roadway reconfiguration on New Mexico 4 aimed at improving pedestrian and school access near Pinon School.
Deputy Public Works Director Keith Wilson presented the project rationale and alternatives, saying the recommended mid‑block crossing (about 550 feet east of La Vista Drive) reduces pedestrian exposure and simplifies driver decision‑making compared with placing a beacon at the La Vista intersection. "A HAWK signal... the signal remains dark when it's not in use," Wilson explained, walking the council through activation sequences and safety advantages of a two‑stage crossing with a median island.
Staff reviewed traffic counts and lane‑use data for a roughly 1,600‑foot segment of NM‑4, noting westbound traffic typically uses the right lane and that placing the trail in the roadway via a westbound lane reduction would be less costly and avoid major basalt excavation along the corridor. Wilson said the county has DOT grant funding for design and construction and will return with a DOT maintenance agreement and final plans; construction is expected to begin in 2027 if schedules hold.
Mirador residents urged a location convenient to their neighborhood and requested improved ADA connections and bus routing clarity. Richard Gaddis said the currently mapped approach leaves parts of Mirador difficult to reach: "This opens up the possibility that instead of an ADA zigzag ramp... building some kind of a connection from the cul de sac over to the North Side path," he said.
Councilor Hahn moved to approve installation of the HAWK signal at the mid‑block location east of La Vista Drive; the motion passed unanimously by roll call. Staff will complete DOT coordination, present a maintenance agreement to council and advertise construction bids.
The approved design includes a two‑stage crossing with a median refuge, an 18‑inch curb separation and an anticipated reduction of the posted speed limit in the segment from 45 mph to 35 mph, subject to DOT concurrence and final design.
