TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Bob Moehling, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Jeff Hitch, City Engineer
SUBJECT:
title
Los Alamos Traffic Congestion Pilot Program
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive and file.
body
PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Plan, program and create infrastructure development.
DISCUSSION
On December 3, 2024, the City Council requested staff to scope a Traffic Congestion Pilot Program. Staff returned to City Council on January 21, 2025, with a proposed Traffic Pilot Program designed to reduce traffic congestion on a limited scale, specifically in the Los Alamos corridor between Hospitality Lane and Whitewood Road. The program was established with four main steps:
1. Traffic Counts
Existing traffic counts were established in Fall 2024. Staff worked with Caltrans to implement optimized timing to work with the Caltrans-maintained signals at the I-215 interchange.
2. Perform "Before" Travel Time Runs
"Before" travel time runs were established, identifying travel time, stops, and delays for the corridor during peak periods: morning, midday, and evening, to serve as the baseline for the program.
3. Traffic Observation/Signal Timing Adjustment
Traffic needed to be observed and timing adjusted through the corridor from the City's Traffic Management Center (TMC). Existing traffic cameras were previously installed at the intersections of Hancock Avenue and Whitewood Road. Staff added cameras at the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Lincoln/Vista Murrieta. The cameras were used to observe traffic at various times of day across different intersections to identify potential traffic disruptions.
4. Perform "After" Travel Time Runs
After the observation period, travel time runs were performed during the same peak time periods. The results of the travel runs are presented below.
On November 14, 2025, staff provided an update to City Council.
* Cameras at Monroe and Lincoln/Vista Murrie...
Click here for full text