San Gabriel River Bridge Rail Upgrade and Widening Project (EA32090)

Location and Limits

The project is located on State Route 1 (SR-1), from post mile (PM) 33.6 in Orange County to PM 0.2 in Los Angeles County.

 

The Project

The San Gabriel River Bridge (No. 53-0060) is a part of SR-1 in the City of Long Beach. SR-1 serves as the main north-south Regional Corridor connecting the City of Long Beach and the City of Seal Beach. The project proposes to upgrade the existing bridge railing and widen the bridge to current standards. Work will also include pavement rehabilitation, replacing bridge approach slabs, construction of retaining wall(s), construction of sidewalk to eliminate gaps, reconstructing access ramps leading to the San Gabriel River Bike Path, construction of sidewalk culvert, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.

 

Caltrans is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

 

Background

The bridge was built in 1931 and was extended on both sides in 1962. Within the project limits, this segment of SR-1 consists of four lanes (two in each direction). The following bridge and roadway deficiencies were identified by the Project Development Team (PDT):

 

·      Metal beam guardrail posts are substandard in height

·      Existing curve radius and super-elevation does not meet design speed requirements

·      Existing 2-foot wide median does not meet the minimum width standard of 12 feet

·      Existing 5-foot wide bridge sidewalk does not meet the minimum width requirement and latest   highway design standard requirement of 6 feet. Narrow sidewalks reduce pedestrian comfort.

·      Existing concrete balustrades type bridge railing does not meet the latest highway design standard

·      Existing 5-foot wide shoulders do not meet the latest highway design standard of 8-foot width

·      Existing 5-foot wide shared shoulder/bike lane does not meet the minimum bike lane width requirement of 8 feet. The existing roadway facility contains a Class II bike lane. The 5-foot wide shoulders do not currently provide a 2-foot buffer for safety.

 

Benefits

Improving and correcting roadway deficiencies are key objectives of the proposed project. The project would enhance safety for all user types and aims to promote Complete Streets and a more multi-modal transportation network.

 

Environmental Document

The Draft Environmental Document was circulated July 28, 2022.

The Initial Study/Environmental Assessment (IS/EA) may be accessed here:

San Gabriel River Bridge Rail Upgrade and Widening Project IS/EA

 The Final Environmental Document was approved December 19, 2022.

The Mitigated Negative Declaration/Finding of No Significant Impact (MND/FONSI) may be accessed here:

San Gabriel River Bridge Rail Upgrade and Widening Project MND/FONSI

 

Schedule

The project is currently in the final design phase. Construction is anticipated to begin Summer 2027.

 

 

San Gabriel River Bike Path Closure: Bike Detour Route

Caltrans is coordinating with the City of Long Beach with regards to minimization of impacts to the bike path.

Work at the San Gabriel River Bridge will require temporary access to the San Gabriel River bike path, a Section 4(f) resource under the jurisdiction of the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, which crosses underneath. Temporary closure of the portion of the bike path that crosses underneath the bridge will be required to mobilize construction equipment and materials, and to ensure the safety of facility users.

This portion of the bike path will be closed for the duration of construction (approximately 18-24 months). Detour signs directing bicyclists to use alternate routes will be provided to maintain public access to the bike path. The exact locations where closure signs will be posted will be determined by the construction contractor and Resident Engineer based on actual site conditions at the time of closures and requirements stated in the project standard plans.

 

Cost

The cost is estimated to be about $44.6 million.

 

Contact

Dave White, Manager Public Affairs, Caltrans District 7 (213) 500-8846

Jason Hogendorn, Project Manager, Caltrans District 7 (323) 240-3958

Marilyn Surakus, Project Management Bureau, City of Long Beach