Two overcrossings included in the O.C. Bridges program will begin construction next month. The Orangethorpe Avenue overcrossing project will elevate Orangethorpe Avenue, taking drivers over the rail crossing between Miller Avenue and Chapman Avenue. The Tustin Avenue / Rose Drive project will take drivers over the railroad crossing at Orangethorpe Avenue. Each project includes a bypass road, allowing traffic to continue to use these routes during construction.
The O.C. Bridges outreach team hosted open house events on May 9 and May 15 for residents in the project vicinities. More than 100 residents attended the meetings, where they learned about the construction activities associated with the upcoming projects, including staging, construction methods, and potential traffic impacts. In addition, the outreach team provided the residents with ways to remain informed about the projects.
Of the 40 percent who returned surveys regarding the meeting, all agreed that the evening’s presentations were helpful and 98 percent agreed that staff had answered their questions.
Approximately 70 Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight trains use this corridor every day. In the next decade, train traffic is anticipated to almost double, equating to one train every 10 minutes in this heavily traveled area.
The O.C. Bridges program obtained state Proposition 1B Trade Corridor Improvement Funds and leveraged them with local Measure M funds and federal funds to address safety and congestion impacts at these overcrossings.
The project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2016, will eliminate delays caused by rail traffic, resulting in a safer commute for drivers. Two undercrossing projects at Placentia Avenue and Kraemer Boulevard are currently under construction with completion scheduled for next year.
For more information, including video simulations, please visit the project website: www.ocbridges.com or call Tresa Oliveri at 714.560.6374.
