Interstate 880 North Safety Improvements Project
Project Starting Date
August 2016
Project End
Completed
Category
Research
Project Description
Interstate 880 in downtown Oakland was originally constructed in the mid-1940s, prior to the publication of the Caltrans Highway Design Manual (HDM). The existing mainline freeway (shoulder widths), bridge overcrossings (non-standard vertical clearances), and on-ramps and off-ramps (interchange spacing) are not compliant with the HDM.
The Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (subsequently the Alameda CTC), Caltrans, the City of Oakland and other transportation agencies recognized the importance of improving this segment of I-880 in downtown Oakland. In addition, the local community encouraged elected officials to re-direct regional vehicles out of the residential neighborhood and construct a soundwall to reduce noise impacts on the neighborhood.
Michael Baker International (formerly RBF Consulting), under the direction of Garrett Gritz, PE and Jennifer Harmon, PE, was selected to manage the overall project. Mr. Gritz and Ms. Harmon managed the preparation of a combined Project Study Report (PSR)/Project Report (PR) and Environmental Document (ED). After achieving the required PSR schedule and securing substantial Trade Corridor Improvement Fund (TCIF) funding, the client selected the team to prepare the PR, ED and final plans, specifications and estimates. The PA/ED process was completed within an aggressive schedule, thus ensuring project funding ($100 million) remained committed to the project. ACTC, Caltrans, the City of Oakland and other involved agencies have expressed appreciation for the history and consistency provided by Mr. Gritz and Ms. Harmon. Both have been working on the project for the past eleven years, and continue to provide construction support to the project that is scheduled to be completed in 2018.
The Challenge in the design
For five years, Garrett Gritz, with Diablo Engineering Group and previously with RBF Consulting, provided program management and project coordination services for this high profile East Bay transit project. Mr. Gritz’s team provided technical project coordination services across almost all departments within the City of Oakland. These services include facilitating and performing plan, specification and estimate reviews; reviewing and assuring the City that the Conditions of Approval are being attained; attending all coordination meetings with AC Transit and then conveying technical information back to the City team members; assisting the City with the preparation of written technical communications and staff reports; and facilitating the reconciliation of design issues across multiple disciplines and agencies. Mr. Gritz represented the City of Oakland Planning Department and collaboratively back-checked and resolved design issues associated with the design plans.
In August 2016, Mr. Gritz transitioned from the design phase into the construction phase, specifically supporting AC Transit construction management team.
The Final Output
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- Financial Responsibility to Our Clients
- Superior Quality and Craftsmanship
- Quality and Value to the Projects We Deliver
- Highest Standards in Cost Control
