Bridges construction continues, milestones reached
Updated July 22, 2015 11:55 a.m.
Bright orange traffic cones, detour signs and the sound of drills are just a part of day-to-day life right now for residents and commuters near construction sites for the OC Bridges Project.
By building bridges that divert roads over or under the railway tracks, like those already completed at Placentia Avenue and Kraemer Boulevard, the Orange County Transportation Authority hopes to reduce train-related traffic on area streets.
Passing trains presently stop street traffic about every 10 minutes, according to the Orange County Transportation Authority. Shipping projections show a future increase in trains per day as well as an increase in the length of freight trains, which would cause much more congestion, officials have said.
Project team members met on Monday to discuss upcoming milestones and the progress being made on the three bridges under construction in Anaheim, Placentia and Yorba Linda. OCTA Outreach Manager Tresa Oliveri gave the newspaper the following updates:
Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive overpass
Location: Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive at Orangethorpe Avenue
Cost: $103 million
Completed steps: A major pour of cement was completed July 16 in order to prepare the bridge to receive beams and decking. Prior to the construction on the bridge, crews opened Del Cerro Drive for drivers to use as an alternate route. Retaining walls and other preparations have been completed for the start of construction on the bridge.
Next steps: The team is working to finish the decking and girder placement on multiple sections of the bridge before October. As the project nears completion, utilities will be restored to new, permanent locations.
How this affects traffic: A bypass road has helped keep traffic flowing smoothly.
When it will finish: Spring 2016
Orangethorpe Avenue overpass
Location: Orangethorpe Avenue near East Crowther Avenue
Cost: $117.4 million
Completed steps: Construction started with the temporary relocation of electric lines and water mains. Noise blanket walls went up to help reduce the sound of pile-driving, which is now completed.
Next steps: Construction of the bridge continues to take shape and move forward. The bridge is unlike those at other locations because of its unique angle over the railroad. Three sections are needed, versus the single span other bridges could use. At the end, utilities will be restored to new, permanent locations.
How this affects traffic: With Orangethorpe and Chapman closed, many have taken to using Miraloma Avenue, La Palma Avenue or Kraemer Bouelvard as detours. Traube Lane, used by nearby residents to get in and out of their neighborhood, has been reduced to one lane in either direction as new curbs are installed. Paving will begin in the next six weeks.
Project completion: October 2016
Lakeview Avenue overpass
Location: Lakeview Avenue at Orangethorpe Avenue
Cost: $70.2 million
Completed steps: Up until now, construction on Lakeview has been focused on moving water and sewer lines and storm drain systems, relocated in preparation for building both the walls and support structures for the bridge. Pile-driving is ongoing south of Orangethorpe.
Next steps: Much earlier in its construction than the other bridges, Lakeview is just now moving up, literally, as the elevation of the street over train tracks begins. As construction continues, drivers will see the retaining walls and bridge take shape, looking similar to the current state of the project at Tustin Avenue/ Rose Drive. As the project nears completion, utilities will be restored to new, permanent locations.
How this affects traffic: Lakeview is closed between Orchard Drive and Eisenhower Circle, with a detour to the 91 freeway in place at Richfield Road. Eisenhower Circle at its north entrance has been permanently closed. It can still be accessed at the south. The businesses in the Lakeview Business Park have been temporarily relocated. Lakeview closed in March and is expected to open to traffic in late 2016.
Project completion: Spring 2017
