Skanska was awarded the Melrose Street Grade Separation contract by the city of Placentia, Calif. The project is part of the Orangethorpe Avenue Grade Separation and Trade Corridor project initiated by OnTrac, a joint-powers authority headed by the cities of Placentia, Anaheim, Fullerton and Yorba Linda.
The Orangethorpe project created a series of street underpasses and moved five miles of railroad tracks in order to separate rail and vehicular traffic and eliminate congestion at major highways and street-level rail crossings.
More than a third of the nation's international trade cargo flows through California by train, and that is expected to increase. The surge in traffic – train and vehicular – was expected to add to regional congestion.
The scope of work on the project included:
· construction of a two-span, pre-cast girder railroad bridge
· realignment of Melrose Street
· management of utility improvements
· construction of concrete retaining walls with architectural treatments
· installation of street lights
The project came with a number of challenges, including the need to minimize the potential impact of construction on local business and residents.
Skanska adhered to the following construction policies:
· round-the-clock quiet zone within the city limits
· construction activities were allowed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
· pedestrian walkways were required around work areas
· sections of work had to be completed prior to closing other areas in order to maintain traffic flow and continuous access
OnTrac planned for a number of benefits from the Orangethorpe project, including: eliminating traffic delays at rail crossings, reducing air emissions and pollution, improving traffic circulation and emergency and law enforcement response times, and increasing the value of adjacent properties that would otherwise be limited.
