What’s that work along NM-4?

Published on March 10, 2025

About four weeks ago, a project to replace 3 ½ miles of ductile iron water transmission pipeline began to take shape between White Rock and the truck route. While the project is expected to be fairly non-disruptive, it has garnered a bit of attention so read on to learn more about it.

Who is doing the work?

Officially called “The NM-4 Water Transmission Line Replacement/Fiber Conduit Installation Project,” the work is being contracted through the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to Wagner Construction, Inc., a Minnesota company.

What is the purpose of the project?

This project was originally planned in response to a New Mexico Dept. of Transportation project to reconstruct NM-4 between NM-502 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock. DPU engineering staff determined it would be beneficial to construct the water transmission line to White Rock outside of the planned roadway expansion. Additionally, this segment of pipeline has experienced multiple breaks and is in need of replacement.

As the project began developing, DPU partnered with San Ildefonso Pueblo to coordinate needs, gain efficiencies and minimize future construction. Through this partnership, a fiber optic conduit will be installed within the same trench as the water transmission line in support of plans for future fiber to the Pueblo. The fiber portion is a separate San Ildefonso project and San Ildefonso Pueblo is responsible for those expenses. Combining forces now, though, prevents a second trenching along the road later.

This project is not otherwise related to projects currently occurring in neighboring communities.

What is the traffic impact?

Two work zones are set up alongside the road between NM-502 and Rover Boulevard. On the White Rock end, there may be minor disruption to traffic with flagging operations. The other work zone is off the shoulder and not expected to require traffic controls. Drivers are asked to drive cautiously and courteously along the work zones.

What is the project timeline?

This project is expected to be completed in January 2026. If the NMDOT road reconstruction occurs as scheduled, it will happen in 2027.

Tell me more about the pipes!

Approximately 3.5 miles of ductile iron water transmission pipeline will be installed. The pipe diameter is primarily 16 inches, reducing to 12 inches as necessary. This pipeline replaces a deteriorating concrete cylinder water transmission pipeline.

Lastly…

You can visit ladpu.com/Projects on the web for a listing of all DPU capital projects. If you’d like to plan commutes to avoid County project work zones, you can visit the Cone Zone page on the County website at lacnm.com/ConeZone.

DPU is committed to being transparent and approachable. If you have questions or feedback on this important project, please don't hesitate to reach out to Michelle Martinez, DPU’s NM-4 project manager, via phone or email: michelle.martinez@lacnm.us, (505) 663-3455.