NM-4 is now closed at the main entrance of Valles Caldera National Preserve due to active firefighting activities on the McCauley Springs Fire.
Due to ongoing dry conditions and prevailing high winds, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova of the Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) has elevated fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective May 28, 2026 within the boundaries of Los Alamos County to safeguard public health and safety, as well as protect lands, structures, natural and historical artifacts.
A planned NMDOT reconstruction of NM-4 between NM-502 and Rover Boulevard in White Rock prompts the need for a new 16" water transmission line. It will be constructed and placed outside of the planned expanded roadway. The existing transmission line has experienced multiple breaks and would be below the planned paving. The road reconstruction is scheduled for 2027.
Construction of the new water transmission line will begin in February by contractor Wagner Construction, Inc. Approximately 3.5 miles of ductile iron water transmission pipeline, wrapped in polyethylene, will be installed. The pipe diameter is primarily 16", reducing to 12" as necessary. This pipeline replaces a deteriorating concrete cylinder water transmission pipeline.
Additionally, DPU is partnering with San Ildefonso Pueblo to install their fiber optic conduit within the same trench in anticipation of their future plans to install fiber to the Pueblo. Therefore, two 1.25" HDPE conduits will be incorporated within the waterline trench.
Two work zones will be set up. Work will begin at Rover Boulevard and move along NM-4 toward NM-502 as the project progresses. While the lanes will remain open for each direction of traffic along most of the NM-4 stretch, there may be a one-lane closure with flaggers within White Rock.
NM State Rd 4, White Rock, NM 87547 View Map
NM State Rd 4 , White Rock, NM 87547
What's that work along NM-4?
March 10, 2025