Stockton Channel Viaduct Meeting

Project Location/Significance
Dubbed as the Golden State Freeway, Interstate 5 runs the entire span of the California including one of the most important segments, the Central Valley. Interstate 5 also runs above the San Joaquin River through the Stockton Channel Viaduct, and east of California’s fourth busiest and Green Marine Certified port, the Port of Stockton. The two bridges that span the viaduct carry 130,000 Annual Daily Trips, 19% of which is Truck Traffic, a percentage of which comes from the Port of Stockton, which is responsible for $1.6 Billion in economic value and circulates over $14 Million in the local economy.

Project Description
The Stockton Channel Viaduct Channel is proposed to rehabilitate or replace the 2 bridges that span the channel in order to 1) extend serviceability, 2) address current structure deficiencies and 3) improve freight mobility and accommodate permitted loads, instead of rerouting them. Several alternatives were considered including 1) minimum cost rehabilitation of the existing structures; 2) reconstructing the structures; and 3) full replacement of the structures and full replacement was the only alternative that addressed project goals.

Project Benefits
The proposed improvements will extend the life of the bridges and update them to current design standards, while significantly improving the efficiency of goods movement and reducing the miles traveled. Caltrans is considering utilizing an innovative project delivery method by partnering with the private sector to identify efficiencies and opportunities to streamline the construction phase. This project will significantly reduce the need for frequent maintenance, which exposes Caltrans Maintenance workers to frequent work under closures adjacent to high-speed traffic.

Project Funding
Total estimated capital cost is $600 Million, including right of way. The Design and Construction phases, currently, are partially funded through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). The project has applied for other state and federal funds, including a combination of Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (SB1), Federal and future SHOPP cycles. Construction is scheduled to start in FY 2024/25 and be completed by 2029/30.

Project Schedule
The project will be delivered via Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC). The schedule will be influenced by means and methods as well as any early work packages: Begin Design Phase - 10/23/2021 End Design Phase - 6/27/2025 Begin Construction - 1/20/2026 Complete Construction - 5/15/2034 (pending funding).

Project Partners
FHWA, US Coast Guard, SJCOG, City of Stockton and Environmental Resource Agencies.