Heavy Truck Traffic Expected for Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration

Sandoval County issued a public advisory effective Monday November 17 2025 informing residents that truck traffic will increase along an identified route near Ponderosa as crews relocate sediment from Ponderosa Pond to the Sandoval County landfill. County officials said the work is part of the Ponderosa Woods Stream Restoration Project and is intended to expand pond capacity. Heavy hauling is scheduled Monday through Friday for the next few weeks, with intermittent activity expected through the end of the year.

The advisory was posted publicly and was circulated on neighborhood feeds and local coverage, prompting motorists in northern Sandoval County and Rio Rancho to plan for periodic heavy truck movement and potential delays on routes used by the hauling trucks. The county said it will provide updates if the schedule changes, and it directed questions to Dan Heerding, Sandoval County Emergency Manager, at 505 934 3222.

For residents and commuters the immediate impacts are practical and logistical. Drivers should anticipate slower travel times on roads used by the hauling operation, and parents transporting students and workers commuting during peak hours should allow extra time. Increased truck activity may contribute to short term noise and localized road wear along the designated route. Property owners near the work corridor may notice more truck passes and temporary changes in traffic patterns.

The project objective to expand pond capacity is tied to broader water management and stream restoration goals. Removing accumulated sediment can restore storage capacity and reduce the chance of overflow during storm events, supporting local efforts to manage runoff and preserve stream function. Moving material to the county landfill is a common interim measure while restoration work proceeds, though it can raise questions about truck routing and landfill capacity.

Local emergency management oversight means the county is coordinating the haul operation and is the primary source of schedule information. Residents seeking clarification on timing, routes or safety precautions are encouraged to contact the emergency manager at the provided number. County updates will be important if weather or project needs necessitate schedule adjustments.

As the work continues through the coming weeks, residents should monitor neighborhood channels and official county notices for changes, and plan travel accordingly. The restoration activity aims to yield longer term benefits for water management, while producing temporary disruptions that local drivers and nearby residents should expect.