State Route 18 Bridge Deck Overlay Project

The State Route 18 Bridge Deck Overlay Project, managed by Caltrans District 8, involves the repair and maintenance of the Mojave River Bridge Overcrossing (Bridge No. 54-0307) and related work on the I-15 Mojave River Bridge (Bridge No. 54-0483) in Victorville, San Bernardino County. The scope of work includes bridge deck overlay, upgrading bridge rails and approach guardrails, replacing approach conforms, joint seals, and median barriers, and replacing the sidewalk. A critical component of the project involves the removal of bat boxes and the installation of bat panels to mitigate habitat loss. The project is subject to strict environmental regulations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with a Mitigated Negative Declaration concluding that no significant adverse environmental impacts will occur if mitigation measures are followed. Key constraints include a construction start window targeted between September 1 and October 15 to avoid the bat maternity season (April 1 through August 31). Contractors must adhere to Caltrans Standard Specifications regarding painting structural steel, emissions reduction, and the handling of regulated materials such as asbestos and lead. Biological protections are paramount, requiring preconstruction bat emergence surveys and the use of a qualified biologist to inspect Environmentally Sensitive Area fencing bi-weekly.