Caltrans Vows to Minimize Noise, Traffic Impacts Related to Arroyo Seco Freeway Bridge Railing Replacement Project Construction

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Thursday provided residents an overview of its plans related to the replacement of the bridge railing on the Arroyo Seco Bridge on State Route 134 over the Arroyo Seco in West Pasadena. 

The project will upgrade the railing to current state and federal standards and provide aesthetic improvements. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024. 

“We are in the early stages of the project,” Sam Toutounchian, Caltrans resident engineer for the project said during Thursday’s virtual meeting.

Toutounchian said the work for the project will include interim traffic handling to accommodate construction conditions-completed, construction of an overhang inspection platform prior to removal of the existing bridge barrier, removal of existing bridge components such as a barrier-mounted fence, and construction of a new bridge barrier and barrier-mounted fence.

He said as part of the construction, at various times, there may be flagging or intermittent interruption of access to the area below the bridge particularly on North Arroyo Boulevard, Arroyo Drive, Orange Grove Boulevard and in Arroyo Seco Park to maintain safety.

“We’ll have that intermittent operation basically all along underneath the work area.” 

“The key here is that we aim to minimize the impact to the traveling public and the surrounding amenities but of course we always wanted to make sure that the work is safe and as a last resort, we do have to do some of these intermittent interruptions.” 

“We would have advance planning, advance notification.”

Toutounchian also assured Caltrans will coordinate with the City of Pasadena’s public information department as well to help notify residents. 

The majority of the residents who attended the virtual meeting expressed concerns regarding the project’s noise impact.

Responding to concerns, Toutounchian said details on exactly what kind of equipment the contractor would use and the specific means and methods of construction are still being worked out. 

But he said noise should be expected both during the day and night. 

“Work is actually permitted during the daytime whenever the contractor can perform the work behind those temporary K-rails that you see on the job site.” 

He said the contract also provides the contractor an opportunity to work at night time under “temporary lane closures.” Details regarding nighttime allowable work were not provided during the meeting. 

“We’re talking about removing concrete from a bridge structure and it’s quite high up in the air.” 

“So I just want to be realistic with the community and say that certainly, there will be some noise but we will do everything to minimize that.” 

Allison Colburn, Public Information Officer with Caltrans, District 7 vowed to address concerns the residents have raised during the meeting. 

“What we’re going to do is take your concerns and bring them back to the contractor and to the project team and then we will be doing a follow-up meeting — so we can follow up with all of you and find the best solutions for this,” said Colburn. 

Anyone who’s interested but unable to attend the meeting may reach out to Caltrans at (213) 200-8694. A Caltrans representative or member of the project team will respond to any questions or concerns.