Ahern Road and Bird Road Median Island Modification

AHERN ROAD AND BIRD ROAD MEDIAN ISLAND MODIFICATION Project Description Project Location: Intersection of Ahern Road and Bird Road. See attached Vicinity Map. Project Justification: This island median modification was originally planned as a Contract Change Order during the Ahern Road Improvements project. Due to complications with the Contractor and project closeout, it was redirected to the Job Order Contract program. Scope of Work: The project will consist of: 1. Modifying the Ahern Road and Bird Road median island to reduce conflict between northbound Bird Road traffic and Ahern Road left turning movements at Bird Road. Environmental Setting: In these portions of the San Joaquin County, land usage is primarily agricultural. There are many large trees adjacent to the project area. Nesting and migratory birds, protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, may nest within these trees. Furthermore, the Swainson’s Hawk, a raptor species of concern within the State of California and listed as threatened may nest adjacent to or within the project area. A pre-construction survey for nesting Swainson’s Hawks and other migratory birds is recommended if construction is scheduled to occur from February 15th to September 1st. Beneficiaries: The public will see increased safety and fewer hazards with this well-maintained median. Overall, there will be reduced maintenance concerns and more reliability within the project area.