OC River Walk Project

The OC River Walk Project is a comprehensive infrastructure initiative led by the City of Anaheim to transform the Santa Ana River corridor and adjacent trail systems in Orange County, California, with construction expected between 2026 and 2036. The project entails constructing two water impoundments using three inflatable rubber dams, modifying riverbanks, building two pedestrian and bicycle bridges, developing new trails, and upgrading existing ones, all aimed at enhancing public access, recreation, and environmental stewardship. The place of performance spans the Santa Ana River corridor between Orangewood Avenue and Burris Basin, encompassing areas within Anaheim and Orange, with all work subject to strict geotechnical, environmental, and hydrological standards. The scope relies heavily on subsurface testing and analysis governed by ASTM and AASHTO standards to ensure foundation integrity, material suitability, and long-term structural performance under variable conditions. The City of Anaheim serves as the lead contracting agency, with Ana Straabe as the primary point of contact and key oversight authority, while Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc. provides engineering support. The project is heavily regulated and requires coordination with multiple federal, state, and local agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and regional water boards to secure essential permits such as Clean Water Act Section 404, Section 408, and CESA incidental take permits. Before construction begins, the City must finalize cooperative agreements with the City of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District, OC Parks, and the Orange County Water District, including long-term maintenance and operations responsibilities. A Flood Contingency Plan addressing potential releases from Prado Dam and impacts to nearby channels like Collins and Chantilly must be approved. Environmental compliance is governed by CEQA, with a certified Environmental Impact Report and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in place to track biological, air quality, noise, and traffic impacts. The project includes mandatory temporary construction easements, adherence to Caltrans and OCFCD design standards, and stringent safety protocols due to restricted access on hazardous riprap areas. Although no formal contract value or line items are disclosed, the procurement status is listed as a forecast, indicating a planning phase with anticipated implementation. Invoices, if any, are to be processed by the City of Anaheim without specified electronic systems, and all deliverables require inspection and acceptance on-site during construction.