Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the I-405 Freeway Improvement Project.
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publichearing
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From: Adolfo Ozaeta, Assistant City Manager
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Adolfo Ozaeta, Assistant City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Receive and file the presentation.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), widened the San Diego Freeway (I-405) between State Route 73 (SR-73) and Interstate 605 (I-605). The I-405 Improvement Project (Project) improved 16 miles of the I-405 and included the addition of one regular lane in each direction from Euclid Street to I-605, as well as improvements to freeway entrances, exits and bridges. It also included the construction of the 405 Express Lanes, which incorporated the existing carpool lanes and consist of two lanes in each direction from SR-73 to I-605.
The Project included the demolition and reconstruction of all bridges, including one pedestrian bridge that spans over the freeway within Westminster, and modifications to the Beach Boulevard undercrossing. A total of 18 bridges were improved through the cities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and Costa Mesa. Westminster was one of the corridor cities most affected by the Project as 12 of the 18 bridges were in Westminster.
The Project also installed new bike lanes, sidewalks, sound walls, landscaping, and aesthetic treatments on the walls, slopes, and structures along the corridor.
The City entered into a cooperative agreement with OCTA in April 2016. The Cooperative Agreement outlined the responsibilities of both the City and OCTA throughout the course of the project and provided the financial mechanism for the City to receive reimbursement funds for staff time, project inspection, and consultant services.
A total of $4,498,331 has thus far been allocated to compensate the City for services related to the Project. Throughout the course of the project, City staff and the City’s consultant team was involved in the review and approval of engineering plans, Traffic Management Plan (TMP) review and concurrence, issuance of necessary encroachment permits, construction oversight inspection services related to City facilities, traffic engineering and traffic control/detour inspection, evaluating and adjusting signal timing, and police services providing additional surveillance and enforcement. Before major construction began, funds were also allocated for pavement mitigation repair related to the Project.
OCTA celebrated the grand opening of the Project on December 1, 2023. All affected reconstructed bridges along the corridor were officially opened. Since then, Westminster staff, along with the other Corridor Cities, have been working with OCTA to close out the project. OCTA has been working with their contractor and the Corridor Cities to address any pending items or issues for the project. Staff is still negotiating several pending items such as additional pavement mitigation funds, maintenance of the right-of-way, additional staff compensation, and cost-sharing of electrical systems. Staff has also identified 138 punch list items to be addressed. The punch list items include, but are not limited to:
• Sidewalk, curb and gutter, and ADA installation/repair;
• Landscaping in parkways and parks;
• Addressing drainage issues;
• Cleanup of debris, graffiti, and discarded items at various locations;
• Replacement and installation of City signage including a City monument sign;
• Identify, adjust grade, and provide installation date for utility equipment, water valves, storm drains, manholes, electrical pull box, etc.;
• Replace damaged median/nose;
• Install gate to secure embankment;
• Install artwork on bridge decorative panels; and
• Provide as-built plans
Of the 138 punch list items, 19 items were identified as being directly related to “Quality of Life” for our residents. These items are:
• Complete the landscape and irrigation at Margie L. Rice Park;
• Restore the bioswale, a vegetated ditch designed to collect and filter stormwater runoff, which is a natural alternative to traditional concrete gutters and storm sewers, on the east side of Bolsa Chica Road;
• Installation of all BMPs, a specific device, activity, or procedure designed to prevent or reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff, ensuring the protection of water quality, as listed per the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP);
• Activate and connect irrigation on southbound Edwards Street near Industry Way and northbound Edwards Street near Buckingham Park;
• Sidewalk on Newland Street;
• Cleanup of the Old Navy Railroad areas;
• Weed abatement and cleanup of 12 locations throughout the City;
• Maintenance of medians on Beach Boulevard between McFadden Avenue and 405 Freeway.
Staff is requesting that these items be prioritized to improve the quality of life for our residents.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
Staff will continue to work with OCTA and their contractor to address all pending items and issues before closing out the project. The current agreement with OCTA has been extended to June 30, 2025. It will be likely extended one more time to the end of the year to address the pending items. The patience and understanding of our community is greatly appreciated through this long construction process.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager