In December 2010, the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) awarded a $15 million construction contract for the widening of six miles of Interstate 215 between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Scott Road. Highway widening tasks started in April 2011 and the project was completed 18 months later, ahead of schedule. As prime consultant, Southstar successfully led the construction management team to deliver this important project. The project added one lane in each direction to create three northbound and three southbound lanes to six miles of freeway. Lanes were constructed along the freeway median to minimize project impact to the community and motorists. In addition, the project provided for the widening of the Keller Road Undercrossing, adding a median barrier, repairing existing pavement and adjusted the grade for improved drainage. Prior to bid solicitation, Southstar reviewed the design plans and provided suggestions to improve project staging that reduced the construction duration by four months.
During this project, approximately 110,000 tons of hot mix asphalt (HMA) was placed under the new Caltrans Section 39 Specifications for asphalt concrete. The total construction capital project cost was $31 million. This project was completed ahead of time and under budget with zero claims.
