OCTA advances $525 million projects into construction

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) was a key player

Construction workers continue installation of a new median island that will prevent motorists from attempting to drive around lowered gate armsConstruction workers continue installation of a new median island that will prevent motorists from attempting to drive around lowered gate arms

in 2010 in getting the Southern California economy moving by advancing more than $525 million worth of projects into construction.

For every $1 billion spent on infrastructure improvements, it is estimated that 18,000 jobs are created, according to OCTA. In Orange County, the investment translates into nearly 9,500 jobs for a region hit hard by the economic recession.

“Our goal is to get projects out on the street as quickly as possible to improve our transportation network and provide much-needed employment opportunities for the transportation and construction sectors,” said Will Kempton, CEO of OCTA, in a written statement.

OCTA’s shelf-ready projects made them eligible for matching dollars through state and federal sources and in the past year, OCTA has leveraged $600 million. Combined with Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation, OCTA was able to quickly advance projects into construction.

“These infrastructure projects provide the boost Orange County needs to get the economy on the right track,” said Lucy Dunn, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council and member of the California Transportation Commission. “Orange County is ready to work and OCTA continues to be a major player in developing the jobs that will stimulate our local economy.”

By moving projects into construction, OCTA experienced a 40 percent savings in construction costs totaling more than $100 million.

“While the economic situation has been a challenge, the one positive byproduct is lower construction bids on projects,” said Kempton. “The savings we received allowed us to put even more projects out to bid, which created additional work for the private sector overall.”

Projects that started construction spanned the county:

•$165.5 million to add carpool connectors between three freeways, the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22), San Diego Freeway (I-405) and San Gabriel Freeway (I-605)

•$95 million in infrastructure improvements for increased rail service

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•$85 million to enhance safety at 50 railroad crossings

•$68.3 million to add a 5-mile northbound lane on the Orange Freeway (SR-57)

•$40 million to add an eastbound lane on the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) from the Eastern Toll Road (SR-241) to the Chino Valley Freeway (SR-71)

•$34.2 million for grade separation projects

•$28.7 million for various parking improvements

•$4.6 million to construct new soundwalls

•$3.9 million for improvements at bus bases

“OCTA has a proven track record of completing projects, which is why the voters of Orange County entrusted us with the renewal of Measure M in 2006,” said OCTA Chairman Jerry Amante. “As a self-help county, we have the advantage of using local dollars to attract outside funds while ensuring we are making the improvements that our residents see as a priority.”

Projects coming down the line as part of the Measure M2 program include $590 million for seven grade separation projects, $1.4 billion in improvements to the SR-91, one of the most heavily traveled stretches of highway in the nation, and $600 million to improve connections to Metrolink, Orange County’s backbone commuter-rail system.

“Orange County is part of a growing region and our approach to transportation planning includes a combination of increased transit options and improved infrastructure,” said Amante. “Together, these projects will have a lasting impact on how residents and commuters travel around the county for years to come.”