Newsroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Brendi Rawlin, Porter Novelli, 619-549-3066
Otay River Bridge to Revolutionize South Bay Travel
Bridge Construction Begins - Marks Engineering Feat
(SAN DIEGO - April 27, 2005) - Construction has begun on the Otay River Bridge, the most exciting part of SR 125 South - the 10-mile express toll road extending from SR 54 in Spring Valley to SR 905 in Otay Mesa, connecting communities across Chula Vista and the South Bay.
At three-quarters of a mile long and, at its peak, almost 180 feet tall, the four-lane bridge will take South Bay travel to new heights as it provides a quick, reliable connection to Otay Mesa/the International Border.
"Construction of the Otay River Bridge is a remarkable engineering feat," said Greg Hulsizer, CEO of California Transportation Ventures, the private company building and operating the toll road. "It is what engineers call a "segmental bridge" and there is only one other like it in California."
Each segment of the Otay River Bridge superstructure (or top) will be precast and then put into place, piece by piece. Because this segmental construction method allows the bridge's top to be put together from above, it is an environmentally friendly way to build, as it minimizes impact on the sensitive Otay River Valley floor below.
The substructure (or base) for the bridge is made up of 11 sets of dual columns, and is built onsite from the ground up. Construction on the base is currently underway. Casting of the top portion of the bridge has begun at a precast yard in Perris, California.
The segments, each weighing between 50 and 70 tons and measuring about 35 feet wide and 10-16 feet tall, are then put on large trucks and driven to the site. Once there, they are lifted out from a launching pad and fitted into place on top of the supporting columns by a large overhead gantry.
California's only other segmental bridge is the San Francisco-Oakland East Bay Skyway Bridge, currently under construction.
About SR 125 South
SR 125 South is a 10-mile express toll road that will run from SR 54 in Spring Valley to SR 905 near the International Border Crossing. Opening in early 2007, this exciting, new transportation alternative promises a fast, reliable and scenic drive, every time. The new connection will provide convenient access to Downtown, Sorrento Valley, I-8, I-15 North, Otay Mesa and Mexico. The construction of this first class express toll road is being made possible through an innovative public/private partnership, and is one of the first roads of its kind in California and the U.S. For more information, visit www.sr125.com.
For more information on the Otay River Bridge or the SR 125 South project, please contact Brendi Rawlin with Porter Novelli at 619-687-7013. Construction photos are available.
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