About the project

  • Caltrans District 8 (Sponsored by RCTC)
  • Riverside County, CA (I-15 freeway between Cajalco Road and SR-60)
This $244M design-build project delivers RCTC’s vision to develop 15-miles of tolled express lanes (TELs) on the Interstate 15 (I-15) freeway between Cajalco Road and State Route 60 (SR-60). The project includes two TELs in each direction, outside widening of I-15 through the I-15/SR-91 system interchange, 11 bridge widenings including a major structure crossing the Santa Ana River and a complex structure crossing the BNSF tracks, retaining and sound walls, toll collection system infrastructure, lighting, landscaping and extensive environmental compliance activities in order to meet the strict commitments for the project.
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Project Description

NCM as a major sub-consultant, led all Structures Design efforts for this design-build project. During the procurement phase, NCM was heavily involved in reviewing all relevant PAED documents, help resolve a number of significant issues with the PAED documents and developed several innovations that contributed to our team led by SKANSKA AMES winning the project. This experience is paramount because NCM understands all the issues that could arise during PAED process and address them prior to PAED documents getting approved. Innovation girder erection techniques significantly minimized impacts to river/creek/railroads. The project:

  • Improved existing and future mobility along the I-15 corridor
  • Reduced traffic congestion
  • Expanded the regional express lanes network
  • Created a choice for travel-time savings and travel-time reliability

The project, which opened for traffic in April 2021, involved constant and continuous coordination with RCTC, Caltrans District 8 and Caltrans HQ Structures, BNSF Railroad, City of Corona, County of Riverside (Flood Control and Transportation Department), multitude of Utilities, and Resource Agencies. Project innovations included Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques by using precast elements throughout the project.

NCM as a major sub-consultant, led all Structures Design efforts for this design-build project. During the procurement phase, NCM was heavily involved in reviewing all relevant PAED documents, help resolve a number of significant issues with the PAED documents and developed several innovations that contributed to our team led by SKANSKA AMES winning the project.  This experience is paramount because NCM understands all the issues that could arise during PAED process and address them prior to PAED documents getting approved.

Santa Ana River bridge has the unique distinction of using the longest and heaviest precast girder ever hauled in California. The 1800-ft Santa Ana River Bridge had the unique erection technique of using gantry cranes that straddled the existing bridges to lift and place the longest and heaviest girder ever cast in California. This innovation significantly reduced environmental impacts to the river and won accolades by the client and agencies across the state.

Accolades/Awards

ACEC 2022 California Honor Award

DBIA 2022 National Merit Award