Work Completed In Past Two Weeks
The City’s Contractor, Ghilotti Bros, installed new concrete wheelchair ramps, curb, and gutter on the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection. The subcontractor, Valentine Corporation, prepared and poured concrete footings for the new retaining walls to be built adjacent to the left turn lanes on Freitas in both the eastbound and westbound directions. Lastly, the electrical contractor completed installation of the temporary traffic signal system, the system was activated the morning of July 11th. This temporary traffic signal system will be in place until approximately December 2017 when the new, permanent traffic signal poles are installed. Also on July 11th, the electrician removed the old traffic signal poles allowing for the eventual removal of the pork-chop islands on the northwest, southwest, and southeast corners. The City continues its coordination with AT&T as AT&T’s contractors work to relocate their communication lines away from the City’s proposed bridge deck spanning the drainage ditch.
Next Steps
With the old traffic signal poles now removed, the Contractor will begin work on the median islands located on the north and south legs of the intersection. It is anticipated that this median work will last about two weeks and require lane closures. Concurrent with this work, the Contractor will continue to form and pour the retaining walls on Freitas next to the left turn lanes. Over the next two weeks, the Contractor will mobilize crews to demolish portions of the west bridge spanning the ditch and begin drilling deep pile foundations for the new, widened bridge. We anticipate the bridge work on the west side of Las Gallinas to last for several weeks. Once all work is complete, the Contractor will shift over to the east side of Las Gallinas.
With the west bridge deck being closed, the City would like to highlight the relocation of the crosswalk crossing Freitas, which is now located on the east side of the intersection. Please follow all construction signage, as well as the traffic signal indications, to safely cross all streets. Please also note that the City has extended the time period in which the Contractor can close travel lanes. Lane closures may now occur between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. This will allow the Contractor to complete more work during the summer weeks before school is in session. Lastly, I have included a couple of photos showing the retaining wall footings and removal of the existing traffic signal poles.
The City appreciates your patience during construction and request that you allow for additional time to travel through this busy location. If and when possible, please consider taking alternate routes to avoid this intersection, especially during commute times. If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know. Thank you.