Spring Garden Icy Curve Warning System Improvement

The Department of Transportation proposes using state funds to upgrade an automated safety warning system on State Route (SR) 70 from Post Miles (PM) 50.77 to 50.89 [ER1.1] near the City of Quincy, Plumas County. The upgrade to the existing traffic system will be near Quincy at 0.4 miles west of Spring Garden Overhead #09-0062 and includes adding additional systems to detect icy conditions on the roadway and alert the traveling public. The project is in township 24N, Range 10E, Section 25 of the USGS Spring Garden 7.5-minute quadrangle. Scope of work includes: • Construct Road Weather Information System (RWIS) tower and 14 by 12-foot concrete (RWIS) walkway with chain link fencing. • Constructing an all-weather pull out by leveling the existing pull out and placing Class II aggregate base. • Extend power and communications for the proposed RWIS underground, from the existing intelligent transportation system (ITS) located approximately 400 feet to the east. Where power and communication cross under SR 70 installation will be by boring, while installation parallel to the roadway will be by open trench. • No tree removal. Purpose and Need The purpose of the project is to improve safety along the SR70 corridor during inclement weather through increased weather monitoring and alerting capabilities to motorists of adverse road conditions on SR70 allowing motorists an opportunity to proceed with caution. The project is needed because the unique geometry of SR70 near Spring Garden creates a condition where the highway is clear and dry for miles leading up to a narrow section of icy pavement. The effect on motorists is a false sense of security that the roads are safe leading up to the icy section. While the existing icy curve warning system has been effective, conditions over the last two years have changed and current ice detection sensors are no longer in the first to freeze, last to thaw location. Motorists traveling along SR70 near Spring Garden need to be alerted in real time of icy road conditions. Staging/Stockpiling Parking, staging, and storage of equipment and materials are expected to take place within the Caltrans right-of-way in previously disturbed areas and within the existing traffic lanes. Disposal/Borrow Sites No disposal/borrow of materials is expected. Utilities No private utilities will be in conflict. Caltrans will be tying into an existing power meter and communications owned by Caltrans. Right of Way All activities of the proposed project are located within Caltrans right-of-way. No TCE’s will be required. Construction Sequencing The project will be constructed in approximately 15 working days. Traffic will be managed with one-way traffic management.