Projects

Building new bridge in Pacifica means balancing delicate needs of nature

The 60-year-old bridge over San Pedro Creek in Pacifica has been demolished, and a bigger, stronger bridge is going up in its place all while balancing the delicate needs of endangered species in the area.

Graniterock’s Construction Division has been hard at work on the new Highway 1 bridge for a year, including a scheduled non-working period of six monthstied to the threatened red-legged frog and Central California coast steelhead trout.

More than 160 red-legged frogs were safely relocated from the project area.

The project was shut down from October to April due topermit requirements from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The new bridge will be 140 feet long and 63 feet wide, and is designed to meet current seismic standards.

The $7.5 million bridge-widening project also involved widening the creek and excavating 5,000 yards of dirt.

“This is primarily a flood mitigation job,” said Caltrans resident engineer Charles Koos. “It’s designed for the 500-year flood.”

Graniterock expects to complete the new bridgein October.

The excellent work of estimators Rob Snyder and Paul Brizollara won this job for the Company.

The project has been managed by Kevin Jones, John Garcia, Kyle McLean and Matt Wadiak.

The site work crew consists of Josh Armer, David Duckworth, Jesus Belmontes, Joseph Gernler, Thomas Harmston, Ivan Penaloza and Fausto Gallardo.

The structures crew is Mark Hurley, Angelo Flores, Jorge Olivares, Santiago Guzman, Douglas Bailey and Jose Teruel.