Project Highlights
Phase
|
Construction
|
|
Sponsoring Agency
|
OCTA
|
Lead Agency
|
OCTA |
Partner Agency
|
Caltrans |
Construction Contractor
|
R.J. Noble Company
|
Deliverables
|
New paving and Installation of Changeable Message Sign
|
Length
|
Approximately 10 miles
|
Project Area
|
Anaheim, Orange, Yorba Linda and Corona
|
Total Estimated Cost
|
$24.4 million
|
Funding Source
|
91 Express Lanes Capital Reserve Fund
|
Estimated Start
|
July 2016
|
Estimated Completion
|
March 2017
|
Project History
The 91 Freeway has helped motorists and commerce travel smoothly from Orange County to Riverside County and to other nearby locations and events. With increased crowding on local freeways and state highways, express lanes play a pivotal role in reducing congestion by providing quick and reliable access to destinations. The 91 Express Lanes have become a global model for express lanes management and paved the way for other freeway improvement projects on the 91 Freeway. The 91 Express Lanes Pavement Rehabilitation Project was an important step toward ensuring continued mobility throughout the region, thus improving the quality of life for residents in the surrounding communities.
After decades of use transporting motorists and promoting trade between Riverside and Orange Counties, it was crucial for the 91 Express Lanes adjacent to the 91 Freeway between the 55 Freeway and the Orange/Riverside county line to be repaved. As a joint effort in September 2016, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), launched the 91 Express Lanes Pavement Rehabilitation Project. Branded “The 91 Weekend Shift”, the approximately $24.4 million project was funded entirely by the 91 Express Lanes Capital Reserve Fund. The main goal of the project was to rehabilitate the pavement of the express lanes to ensure the facility is safe and operation for another 20 years.
The contractor, R.J. Noble, a leader in the production, manufacturing, engineering and recycling of asphalt, asphalt rubber, and concrete products, worked around-the-clock each weekend closure to ensure the paving operations exceeded state and industry standards. Because of their exceptional work, the project was completed ahead of schedule and only required 8 construction weekends rather than the anticipated 10. In total 113,000 tons of asphalt, 110 miles of striping paint, and 10,000 new white delineators to separate the lanes were placed. Also added were 6 new changeable message signs to alert motorists of express lane pricing, traffic alerts, and safety tips along the 91 Freeway.
During construction of the project, the 91 Express Lanes and sections of the #1 general purpose lane were closed in each direction, one direction at a time over a course of 8 nearly consecutive weekends. Motorists were encouraged to plan accordingly for delays and take alternate routes during weekends. The “91 Weekend Shift” outreach team actively used social media, radio spots, email blasts, direct mail, digital ads, and freeway changeable message signs to encourage motorists to BE AWARE of the project closures schedule, PREPARE by planning for more travel time and using alternate routes, and SHARE the information with their networks.
Thanks to public cooperation and the collaborative effort of all agencies involved, the 91 Express Lanes Pavement Rehabilitation Project was a success and serves as a symbol of teamwork and accomplishment as part of the larger freeway network that keeps Orange County moving.
Interactive Timeline
Hover your mouse over each weekend marker to see the project milestones during the construction phase!
Project Team Interviews