Newell Road Bridge Replacement Project Status Update: October 2023
Published on October 19, 2023
Status Update on Newell Road Bridge Replacement Project- October 2023
Project Plans & Specifications: Staff received the 100% Project Plans, Specifications and Engineer's Estimate (PS&E) in March. Minor edits or changes may be required based on constructability review and/or coordination with the utility providers and owners whose properties will be affected.
Right of Way (ROW) Acquisition: The ROW Certification is a Caltrans Highway Bridge Program grant requirement. Notices of decision to appraise were sent and field visits completed in May. The appraisals were completed and offer packages have been prepared. Caltrans expects to complete their review by the end of October, meanwhile, staff will be sending out the offer packages to the private property owners the week of October 16. Right-of-way certification must be completed prior to soliciting bids for construction. Additionally, staff continues to work with PG&E to complete their design to underground their facilities in East Palo Alto prior to the start of construction of the bridge.
Permitting: City staff is working with San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) and their consultant to coordinate permits through the regulatory agencies (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, and U.S Fish and Wildlife Service). SFCJPA along with their consultant submitted the applications to agencies at the end of August. The applications are under review and staff anticipates obtaining permits by late fall.
Project Funding: Staff met with Caltrans Headquarters and Local Assistance staff in August to discuss the additional funding requests. Caltrans stated they are working on a response letter to the City regarding the funding increases and provided initial comments in October that are being addressed. Staff expects the funding to complete the Right-of-Way phase will be approved but are proceeding in advance of approval despite the risk that it may either not be approved or not available during this fiscal year.
Learn more about SFCJPA projects to gain updates on Channel widening, Top of bank floodwalls, Pope-Chaucer Bridge, and Hydraulic Model analysis.
For the City’s Newell Road Bridge Project website, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/newell.
To prepare for the 2023-2024 storm season, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/storms
To stay informed during the storm season, gaining updates on weather events, go to www.cityofpaloalto.org/stormupdate