As the prime consultant, Kleinfelder provided project management, bridge planning, design engineering, and environmental documentation services for the replacement of this 610-foot-long bridge that was originally constructed in 1940 over the Sweetwater River in Chula Vista, CA.
The project was initially funded as a rehabilitation project under the Federal Highway Bridge Program due to the bridge’s Sufficiency Rating of 65 (ratings above 50 typically result in rehabilitation). Given that the bridge was constructed over 75 years ago and the capacity was insufficient for future needs, Kleinfelder successfully gained Caltrans approval and funding for a replacement bridge.
Two elements most critical to the design of the replacement bridge were the biological studies and hydraulic analysis. The biological studies identified several environmentally sensitive areas located within the footprint of the project impact area, requiring modifications to the bridge design and mitigation of the impacts during construction. For the hydraulic analysis, Kleinfelder evaluated the project using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flow rates and Caltrans guidelines to ensure the bridge would withstand major flood events with adequate freeboard and scour provisions.
Kleinfelder designed the replacement bridge to include 8-foot-wide Class II bicycle lanes and 5.5-foot-wide sidewalks on each side of the bridge to comply with the City of Chula Vista’s standards and ADA requirements. The design also accommodates an adjacent jogging trial and an equestrian crossing below the bridge as part of a regional trail system.
Location:
Chula Vista, California
Owner:
City of Chula Vista
