Grand Canyon Drive slurry seal project begins
Published on July 16, 2026
Los Alamos County Public Works will start construction on Grand Canyon Drive on Monday, July 27, weather permitting. This project includes applying a slurry seal to Grand Canyon Drive, from NM 4 to Meadow Lane, extending from shoulder to shoulder.
Slurry seal is a cost-effective pavement preservation treatment used to extend the service life of structurally sound asphalt roadways. Unlike major roadway reconstruction, slurry seal is a preventative maintenance treatment that helps protect pavement from oxidation and moisture intrusion while restoring surface texture and improving skid resistance. The slurry seal consists of a carefully proportioned mixture of polymer-modified asphalt emulsion, well-graded fine crushed aggregate, mineral filler, and water.
Grand Canyon Drive was assessed as part of the County's Pavement Preservation Program and identified as an ideal candidate for the slurry seal treatment to maximize the lifespan of the existing pavement and reduce future maintenance costs.
Construction Operations
Construction activities are scheduled to occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning July 27. To minimize traffic impacts, the project will be completed in two phases.
Freshly applied slurry seal requires approximately 3 to 4 hours to cure before vehicles can safely travel on the surface. Motorists are asked to obey all traffic control devices and avoid driving on freshly sealed pavement until it has reopened.
- Phase 1: NM 4 to Rover Blvd. - Work will begin by applying slurry seal to the eastbound lane between NM 4 and Rover Blvd. Once complete, crews will treat the westbound lane along the same segment. To maintain neighborhood access, temporary "windows" will be left at side streets and cul-de-sacs during construction. These untreated sections will allow residents to enter and exit neighborhoods while the treated areas cures, before the remaining areas are sealed. Phase 1 is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 days, weather permitting.
- Phase 2: Rover Blvd to Meadow Lane - Following completion of Phase 1, crews will continue east from Rover Blvd. to Meadow Lane. The eastbound lane will be treated first, followed by the westbound lane using the same construction process. Phase 2 is expected to take approximately 2 to 3 days, weather permitting.
Traffic Control
Motorists should expect temporary lane closures, reduced speeds, and minor delays throughout the project. Parking on Grand Canyon Dr. will also be restricted during the project phases. Traffic control personnel and signage will be in place to safely guide vehicles through the work zone. Public Works appreciates the community's patience and cooperation while this important pavement preservation project is completed.
Atomic City Transit
Residents are encouraged to watch for information to be released by Atomic City Transit (ACT) regarding fixed-route services that may be impacted by construction. Visit the ACT website for the most up-to-date information.
Please continue to check the Cone Zone on the Alerts and Current Conditions page for the latest updates on road work and construction projects. For additional information or questions, please contact the Los Alamos County Public Works Department at lacpw@losalamosnm.gov, or call 505-662-8150.