Granite Construction is carrying out a US$78 million contract in Orange County, California that will help reduce traffic congestion and delays in the area. The package of works was awarded to the firm by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
Granite is demolishing a 95m concrete bridge and replacing it with a new structure. According to Caltrans, the new bridge will improve transport through the State Route 55 and State Route 91 corridor, reducing the weaving and merging of vehicles occurring at present. It will help boost traffic flow as well as safety for drivers.
This is the first of three projects aimed at improving the SR 55/91 connector and reducing traffic congestion and delays to journeys caused by the current bottleneck along the SR 55 and SR 91 transition corridor. This route passes John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, a small but busy facility playing an important role in transport for the area.
The contract also includes building new retaining walls, sound walls, and both asphalt and concrete paving. The work will also see upgrades to storm drainage and electrical systems.
Construction is due to commence in April 2025 and should be completed in October 2027. Funding for the work is being provided jointly by the state and federal sources.
According to Granite, this is the largest local Caltrans project that the firm’s Los Angeles/Orange County (LAOC) team has been awarded so far.
