S.J. wins two public works awards
The American Public Works Association (APWA) Sacramento Chapter awarded San Joaquin County first place in the categories of Emergency-Construction Repairs and Transportation Roadway for the 2017 Project of the Year Awards, according to a press release from San Joaquin County.
The awards will be formally presented at the APWA 2017 Project of the Year Luncheon on Friday, Aug. 4 in Sacramento.
The APWA cited work done on Lower Sacramento Road and the Bollea Road Bridge as reasons for the awards in letters sent to San Joaquin County announcing the firstplace victories.
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our Public Works Department. The leaders and staff exemplify the best in our county employees and they are truly deserving of these awards,” said Chairman of the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors Chuck Winn.
Congestion on a stretch of Lower Sacramento Road between Harney Lane and Eight Mile Road created hazards for vehicles attempting to turn left into driveways, further contributing to congestion by blocking both the travel and bicycle lanes. Approximately 2.5 miles of Lower Sacramento Road were widened to help meet current and future traffic capacity demands. Construction began in Oct. 2014 and was completed in May 2017, five months ahead of the expected completion date of Oct. 2017. The initial contractor bid was estimated at $7,483,705.80, but the final cost was $7,480,000. No injuries or accidents occurred during construction that caused time to be lost.
“More often than not, construction projects are associated with lengthy delays, noise, traffic and congestion. We are honored that these awards celebrate the accomplishments resulting from the hard work, planning, development, innovation and teamwork that goes into what we do to serve the public in the most efficient and environmental way,” said San Joaquin County Public Works Director Kris Balaji.
A local, rural road, the Bollea Road Bridge is the only access route for residents living south of the bridge over Bear Creek. During the heavy rainfalls earlier this year, the water seeped behind the footing of the abutment under the bridge, leaving holes in the soil. As a result, the abutment was found to be 70 percent undermined, compromising the structural integrity of the bridge and creating a potential safety hazard. Repairs to the bridge were completed within 120 days from the initial call from a resident, and cost $283,000, less than the contractor bid of $330,000.
“Our goal is to make travel safer, more convenient and a more enjoyable experience for those who use our roads and bridges. The credit for these awards goes to the hundreds of hardworking and talented county staff, consultants, construction workers and contractors who completed these projects despite heavy rainstorms and other challenges we faced,” said San Joaquin County Public Works Deputy Director of Engineering Mike Selling.