California 22, November 3, 2024 by Construction Equipment Guide

Caltrans’ Fix50 Mobility Project Still on Schedule

By Cindy Riley

In hopes of meeting a September 2025 deadline, construction crews in California are working night and day on Caltrans’ Fix50 Project. The nearly $484 million effort will enhance mobility while providing incentives for ride sharing during peak period travel.

“This is the largest Caltrans project ever in the Sacramento region,” Caltrans District 3 spokesperson Sergio Ochoa Sánchez said. “Construction is going well. It’s on schedule, with no major delays. The design builder broke the project into five segments to manage the multiple stages required to perform all of the bridge, drainage and roadway construction while maintaining at least four lanes in each direction during the day.”

Flatiron Construction serves as the project contractor. The Fix50 Project is funded by the SHOPP Roadway Rehabilitation Program, Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP)

CTC Announces $3.8B in Project Funding

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) announced on Oct. 18, 2024, the allocation of $3.8 billion for projects that will continue to refurbish the state’s transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and create more options for the traveling public.

The projects will improve coastal rail lines, freight corridors, bridges, highway

interchanges and system enhancements aimed at increasing accessibility for multimodal users.

Nearly $3.5 billion is funded through the landmark federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). More than 75 percent of that allocation will be sent to approximately 600 local governments and regional transportation authorities to replace

bridges, reduce travel times for commuters, address planet-warming pollution, improve highway and rail safety and efficiency and provide new transportation services.

Another approximately $330 million in funding comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

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Flatiron Construction Working Steadily On Fix50 Project

and a sales tax program managed by the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA).

“Flatiron has the resources and experienced staff to take on such a large and complex project,” Sánchez said, adding that completing all the work in a densely populated area on a freeway with high traffic volumes is a definite challenge.

The improvements will not only lower crews’ exposure to live traffic but will also cut maintenance costs, reduce congestion and replace the Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement. The existing PCC pavement was built more than a half-century ago and has reached the end of its service life.

In addition, construction calls for increasing the vertical clearance at seven overcrossing structures in the project limits. This will lessen the frequency of “high load” hits and improve freight mobility in the corridor.

“Crews are currently working mostly night-time shifts to avoid causing too much hassle to motorists during the day and during peak times,” Sánchez said. “Work is also being performed during the day behind temporary concrete barriers [k-rail] in areas

where that’s possible.”

Overall, the community has been receptive to the work.

“Most of the public understands the complexity of this project and welcomes the addition of the HOV lane when the project is complete,” Sánchez said. “Caltrans has received a couple of noise and dust complaints; however, when explaining that the work will only be for a couple of nights, neighbors have been tolerant.”

Sánchez also noted that crashes can directly affect the construction process.

“We rely on drivers to obey the speed limit in the construction zone, to be aware of their surroundings, to avoid distractions when driving and not to drive when intoxicated. Caltrans will not stop stressing the value of being safe when driving, for the wellbeing and safety of the workers, motorists and everyone in general.

“When a project like this is seen from what it was, to how it is now, and how it will be when completed, everything is worth the satisfaction drivers will experience with an almost brand-new U.S.-50 in the Sacramento area.”

A Link-Belt 260 hydraulic excavator works on

tion of the Fix50 Project. The Fix50 project includes nearly $500 million in work.

Equipment awaits its turn.

Link-Belt crane moves a structural beam into place.

Road surfacing crews have plenty of work to do.

FIX50 from page 1

Funding to Help Refurbish Transportation Infrastructure

“These projects will create safer and more equitable and climate-resilient transportation options for all Californians,”

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “Investments made possible since IIJA was enacted are establishing a legacy that will benefit all people who use and rely on our vast transportation system for employment and educational opportunities, access to goods and services, and connection to recreational attractions.

Among the projects approved include improvements for locations along the coastal LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San DiegoSan Luis Obispo) rail corridor, four hydrogen fueling stations near the Interstate 215/State Route 60 interchange, a freewayto-freeway connector linking southbound State Route 99 to westbound State Route58 in Bakersfield, a Class 4 bikeway in Redding and a bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing in Berkeley.

Other projects include:

Highpoint Rockfall Repair Project: The CTC approved $2.001 million for the construction phase of the Highpoint Rockfall Repair Project on U.S. 395 in northern Mono County, near the Nevada state line. This emergency project is replacing torn rockfall netting on the mountainside along the highway, parallel to Topaz Lake. Construction on this project is ongoing and anticipated to conclude in early November.

Keene Pavement Project: The CTC approved $10.15 million for the design and right-of-way phases of the Keene Pavement Project. This project will rehabilitate nearly 45 lane miles of State Route 58, upgrade bridge rail and median barriers, install new lighting, and construct a 3.5-mi. truck climbing lane west of Hart Flat Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. Valley Boulevard and Mill Street Gap

Closure Project: The CTC approved $515,000 in funding for the design and right-of-way phases of the Valley Boulevard and Mill Street Gap Closure Project. This project by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) will construct more than 4,500 ft. of sidewalk and 21 new ADA curb ramps in Tehachapi on West Valley Boulevard between Oakwood Street and Curry Street and on Mill Street between Valley Boulevard and Tehachapi Boulevard. It also will reconstruct 10 curb ramps to bring them to current standards, improve

crosswalks at four intersections, and build a Class II bicycle lane on the north side of Valley Boulevard and on Mill Street.

IIJA is also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems.

California has received more than $46 billion in federal infrastructure funding since IIJA’s passage in November 2021. That includes investments to upgrade the

state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. The funding alone has already created more than 87,000 jobs. In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

(All photos courtesy of California Transportaton Commision.)

CTC from page 1

Crews replace torn rockfall netting on the mountainside alongside U.S. 395 by Topaz Lake.

A Dieci Pegasus telehandler maneuvers along the roadside.

Crew scale a rock wall to replace safety netting along U.S. 395.

Improved Mobility, Ride-Sharing Incentives Part of Fix50

According to Sánchez, the construction of sound walls from Stockton Boulevard to 65th Street is already finished, while bridge work is nearing completion. Current construction involves drainage, roadway excavation and concrete paving in Segments 1, 2 and 4.

More stages of roadway rehabilitation in Segments 2 and 4 and installation must be tackled, along with work tied to Intelligent Transportation System elements.

Regarding project milestones, bridge widening is finished, and concrete pavement is completed in Segments 1, 3 and 5.

Sánchez said widening ramps, connector ramps and bridges takes a great deal of effort.

“Essentially, a new bridge has been constructed between the east and westbound freeway bridges to connect them together. The ramps are reconstructed in a wider configuration, like building a new ramp.”

Construction includes repairing 54 lane miles of pavement, which means all the concrete and asphalt pavement must be removed and replaced. Increasing the vertical clearance at seven overcrossing structures requires the roadway being lowered to allow over-height permit loads to better fit under the overcrossings.

Fortunately, the elements have not been an issue for crews.

“So far, weather has been cooperative,” Sánchez said. “And the workers out there, even when it has been more than 100 degrees or freezing, have played a big role in keeping this project on schedule.”

Several hundred thousand cubic yards of dirt will be moved during construction, while the most tedious part of the job involves shifting traffic.

“This takes time because of the number of lanes and the limited windows at night to complete the work,” Sánchez said.

Still, he said the work involved will be worth it in the end.

“It’s rewarding to be part of such a large infrastructure project that will serve the public for years to come.”  CEG

(All photos courtesy of Caltrans.)

A view of Fix50 work by Howe Avenue in Sacramento.

Selby’s Soil Erosion Control wets down a section of future roadway.

roadway.

The fifth segment of the Fix50 project looking east.

FIX50 from page 4

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AGC Announces Construction Safety Awards Winners

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of California in partnership with HammerTech announced the winners of the 37th annual Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) on Oct. 3, 2024, during the 2024 CONSTRUCT Annual Conference at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Rancho Mirage.

“As leaders in the construction industry, our commitment is to ensure every work environment is safe and secure. Safety not only drives our success in project completion but also embodies our responsibility to protect each worker,” said Peter Tateishi, the CEO at AGC of California. “We, as an industry, are continually advancing our safety standards, striving for excellence and cultivating a culture where safety on the jobsite is prioritized above all else. I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s safety awards; their dedication and hard work set a benchmark for the entire construction industry.”

The Construction Safety Excellence Awards celebrated California construction companies and individuals for their dedication to safety excellence by drawing several hundred attendees, including construction executives, safety professionals and student chapter members.

The awards ceremony featured insights from key industry figures, including 2024 AGC of California Safety & Health Council Chair Justin Wheaton, the environmental safety and health director with Skanska, and Georgia Bergers, a global vice president of marketing with HammerTech.

AGC of California President-Elect Pat Kelly of Granite Construction kicked off the safety awards and welcomed attendees. In addition, keynote speaker Hamilton Baiden, CEO of YouTurn Health, spoke about integrating mental health initiatives, such as substance use disorders and suicide prevention programs, into comprehensive workforce safety strategies.

“At AGC of California, we're committed to partnering with our member companies to elevate the conversation around safety, ensuring every worker feels supported both physically and emotionally. Recognizing that true safety integrates mental health,

we’ve initiated key programs to boost mental health awareness,” said Brian Mello, associate vice president of Engagement & Regulatory Affairs at AGC of California.

“By addressing the holistic needs of our workforce, we can continue to protect and empower our industry’s most valuable asset — its people.”

AGC of California is set to present its Harry Eckstein Safety Professional of the Year Award during the prestigious Installation & Awards Gala, scheduled for Feb. 7, 2025, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

see SAFETY page 10