From: Allyn Amsk [mailto:allyn_amsk@dot.ca.gov]
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2012 4:46 PM
To: 580 Scofield Stakeholders
Subject: Update for Interstate 580 Scofield Avenue and Western Drive Bridge Deck Replacement Project

Dear Stakeholders and Interested Parties:

You have been identified as being a stakeholder or interested party for the Interstate 580 Scofield and Western Drive Bridge Deck Replacement Project, and Caltrans would like to provide you with an update on this project.  If you do not wish to receive future emails about this project, please let me know, and I will remove your email address from the list.

The I-580 Scofield/Western Drive deck replacement project is located just east of the Richmond San Rafael Bridge and will replace three bridge decks at the Scofield Avenue and Western Drive undercrossings.  This important project will help to protect California’s investment in its infrastructure.  

Caltrans expects to begin construction in fall 2012. During construction, the eastbound I-580 Western Drive on-ramp will be closed for up to three months.  During this ramp closure, a detour will be provided for vehicles three-quarter ton or smaller via an existing, paved bike path during the hours of 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.  The maximum height for vehicles using the bike path detour is 9 feet.  A flagger and pilot car will escort vehicles on the detour. Outside of these hours, vehicles three-quarter ton or smaller will access eastbound I-580 by driving westbound across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, exit at San Quentin, and then return to I-580 eastbound.  Larger vehicles will not be permitted on the bike path at any time and will use the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge as a detour. During the three month closure, toll passes will be provided for businesses, residents, and local users of Western Drive required to use the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge as a detour.  

Due to the use of the bike path as a detour during construction, bicycles will not be allowed to travel on the path.  However, Caltrans will provide a shuttle service to transport bicyclists from Marine Street to Western Drive.

Caltrans will be providing more information to Stakeholders in the future, as well as:

·        Coordinating with elected officials, the City of Richmond, and residents and businesses of Point Molate and Point Richmond.
·        Making presentations to interested organizations or city committees.
·        Updating the website with information about construction activities and lane/ramp closures.
·        Emailing stakeholders when the website goes “live” with weekly updates.
·        Holding an open house meeting in late summer 2012 to inform local residents and business operators of the project scope, toll pass system, and upcoming construction activities.  
·        Alerting businesses, residents, and stakeholders prior to significant construction events, such as the closure of the eastbound I-580 Western Drive on-ramp.

We appreciate your interest in this project to protect California’s infrastructure investment.  Please call or email if you have questions about the project. The website is located at http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/580scofieldave/.  


Allyn Amsk
Public Information Officer
Caltrans, District 4, Office of Public Affairs
Office (510) 286-5445  

Dear Stakeholders and Interested Parties:

I would like to clarify and correct information about the use of the bike path, bicycle access to I-580, and the use of the bicycle shuttle.

During the closure of the eastbound I-580 Western Drive on-ramp, the bike path used as a detour for smaller vehicles will remain open for bikes. Although smaller vehicles will only be able to use this path from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the path will be open to bicyclists and pedestrians 24 hours per day.

The shuttle service for bicyclists will be in place between Marine Street and Western Drive when bicycles are not allowed to use the mainline shoulder. In addition, westbound I-580 will be reopened to bicyclists after the westbound construction is complete. The eastbound I-580 portion is the only section that will be closed for the duration of the project.

Please call or email if you have questions or concerns about the project.

Thank you,

Allyn Amsk
Public Information Officer
Caltrans, District 4, Office of Public Affairs
Office (510) 286-5445