Board hears design overview for Denver Steels Phase 3; residents press about yards, plantings and water meters

Los Alamos County transportation staff presented design details for the Denver Steels Improvements Project Phase 3 and answered a series of resident questions about property impacts and utility relocations.

The project manager for the roadway portion said Phase 3 is in design and is anticipated to go out to bid in July 2026, with construction scheduled for completion in spring or summer 2027. The roadway scope described includes reconstruction with a 4‑inch asphalt lift, replacement or installation of curb and gutter, valley gutters, ADA ramps, sidewalks where existing, and broadband conduit for future fiber. The presenter said the roadway work is programmed in the county’s capital improvement projects at $3,800,000 and the water/utility portion is included in the Department of Utilities 10‑year plan at $1,200,000. Staff said the work will be phased to maintain vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access and that crews will provide 48‑hour notices for any water shutoffs.

Residents at the meeting raised concrete concerns. Lawrence Tickner (Ridgeway) asked why survey markers extended several feet into yards and whether fences and plantings would be removed; staff replied the stakes mark curb‑and‑gutter offsets and act as references so sidewalks and curbs can be returned to their prior positions. Katie Bruhl said plantings in the current Phase 2 work had been dug up and that one neighbor’s yard had been bulldozed; staff said contractors had been reminded to protect property, that flags and other protections would be used and that landscaping remediation would be requested where damage occurs.

Chris Judson said markings near his driveway left him unsure whether the sidewalk would be moved to his side of the street and how water meter locations might change; staff explained water meters will be relocated to the property line where necessary, said they would notify residents two days before any shutoffs and offered to take individual addresses and follow up one‑on‑one.

A board member asked whether Cuesta Drive would be graded to prevent flat spots that collect water and snow; staff confirmed roads will be crowned and said Ridgeway grading was scheduled first with Cuesta to follow. Staff repeated that final asphalt lifts would be done after initial work on each street is completed so paving is staged and completed safely.

Staff asked residents with specific requests—such as adding sidewalks where none currently exist—to submit written comments by the posted deadline (comments must be received by 04/17/2026) so the requests can be reviewed as part of design and scope decisions. Public Works provided a mailing address and an email for written comments, and staff offered to remain after the meeting for individual questions.

The board did not take a formal vote on the project during this meeting; staff emphasized the project remains in design and will return to the procurement phase for bidding later in 2026.