Fawndale Culverts Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), using State and federal funding,is proposing to replace 32 culverts on Interstate 5 (I-5) in Shasta County. The limits of work occur between post mile (PM) R20.3 to R27.9. Purpose The purpose of this project is to replace and rehabilitate existing deficient (fair and poor condition) culvert systems to meet current and future drainage needs and restore the integrity of the highway. Need The District’s Culvert Investigation Team has inventoried and assessed the condition of all the existing culverts on this section of Route 5 in Shasta County. Based on the investigations, culverts along this segment are aged, deteriorated, and failing to adequately convey surface water flows, with deficiencies including rusted-out inverts, displaced joints, collapsed pipe, and blockages. Failing culverts result in erosion of material around the culverts which could lead to increased cost for highway rehabilitation and/or collapse of sections of highway. Project Description Culvert maintenance would be accomplished using three methods: cut and cover replacement, trenchless replacement, and culvert liner rehabilitation. Approximately 2.0 acres of soil would be disturbed during project implementation. Generally speaking, the maximum excavation depth is estimated at 20 feet. At PM R27.83, trenchless replacement depth is estimated at 40 feet. Clearing and grubbing would be required. Where applicable, project construction traffic control would be accomplished through lane and shoulder closures. Right-of-Way The proposed work would occur within the Caltrans’ right-of-way, permanent State easements, temporary construction easements, and federal lands. In support of future maintenance activities, Caltrans would acquire permanent right-of-way easements at select culvert locations. The culvert at PM R27.41 would be accessed from the south using an existing ±10-foot wide by ±260-foot-long bench located on the cut slope immediately east of the Bridge Bay Road off-ramp. The culvert at PM 26.26 (western portion) would be accessed via a private driveway on Wonderland Boulevard, as well as construction of a temporary access road. The private driveway does not extend to the highway. Thus, a ±10-foot-wide access road would be constructed from the driveway terminus to the culvert. Staging The proposed project would utilize an existing staging site located on the eastern side of I-5 at Fawndale Road (PM R26.05 to R26.20). Disposal/Borrow Sites Disposal material would become the property of the contractor. No borrow sites are anticipated. Utilities At PM R27.53, culvert replacement would occur within Union Pacific Railroad (UPR) right-of-way. A Right of Entry permit and coordination with UPR would be required. All other utilities in proximity to the work locations would be protected in-place. No other utility conflicts are anticipated. Schedule The work would be completed in one construction season and would require approximately 120 days to complete. Consultation/Coordination Caltrans performed a records review, field surveys, and consultation/coordination with applicable agencies, tribes, and individuals. Permits Based on the current scope, the project would be subject to the following resource agency permits: Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit (Section 404 permit) Regional Water Quality Control Board Water Quality Certification (Section 401 permit) California Department of Fish and Wildlife Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (Section 1602 Agreement)