Project Overview – New Lane, Added Capacity, Improved Driving Conditions
OCTA, in partnership with Caltrans, will be adding a new, four-mile westbound general-purpose lane to State Route 91 between State Route 57 and Interstate 5. The new westbound lane will increase capacity, improve driving operations and relieve traffic congestion along this key stretch of westbound SR-91.
Project Status – Construction
On Wednesday, May 1, 2013, OCTA and Caltrans kicked-off construction on this third in a series of 91 freeway improvement projects. Anaheim-based C.C. Myers, Inc., is serving as construction contractor, after submitting the lowest, responsive project bid and being awarded the contract by Caltrans earlier this year.
Construction is expected to take place in two phases and will last approximately two (2) years, with an estimated completion date in late 2015. In addition to building a new westbound general-purpose lane, construction crews will also:
- Widen six bridges
- Realign ramps
- Erect new signage and safety barriers
- Re-stripe and standardize lanes and shoulders within the project limits
In late May and June 2013, crews are expected to begin staging operations. Activities during this period are expected to include erecting signage, re-striping lanes and installing k-rail/concrete safety barriers to protect commuters and crews alike during construction.
Barring unexpected needs, construction will take place behind safety barriers. With the exception of three yet to be scheduled nine-day closures at the westbound State College Boulevard off-ramp, the westbound Raymond Avenue off-ramp and the westbound Brookhurst Street on-ramp, there will be no lane or full freeway closures during peak hours. Additionally, the HOV and number of general-purpose lanes within the project limits will remain the same before and during construction. However, existing auxiliary and emergency shoulders will be eliminated during construction to provide crews the safety and space required to perform lane, shoulder and bridge work.
Intermittent off-peak/nighttime lane closures will occur to allow crews to maximize safety and productivity. Similarly, a few north-south streets will be reduced to one lane during off-peak times under the bridges that will be widened. However, Caltrans, OCTA and local cities will implement safe and direct detours to facilitate traffic flow during these times. In most cases, Orangethorpe Avenue, which runs virtually parallel to the 91 Freeway, will serve as the principal detour route. Please also note that no two consecutive off-ramps will be closed at the same time.
A landscaping plan that is consistent with the surrounding environment will also be implemented after construction is completed. To the extent possible, landscaping will be replaced in-kind and will be low maintenance.
Construction Outreach
The 91 Outreach Team will conduct outreach in Spring and Summer 2013. During this time, the outreach team will conduct city briefings, residential and business outreach, neighborhood-level meetings on weekends, open houses and community presentations to civic and community groups. At these events, the outreach team will provide a project overview, projected work and staging plan and potential traffic impacts and detour management plans.
Contact
For more information on this project and/or to schedule a community presentation, please contact Fernando Chavarria at fchavarria@octa.net, (714) 560-5306 or on Twitter @91fwy.