Sunset Avenue Grade Separation

Sunset Avenue Grade Separation was one of the nine grade-separation initiatives within Phase 2 of the overarching Alameda Corridor East project. The construction endeavors overseen by Atkinson encompassed the establishment of two grade-separated undercrossings at the intersections of Sunset Avenue and Orange Avenue, accompanied by elevating two Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks along an extended 1.6-mile continuous retaining wall embankment. The project included the construction of two steel girder bridges, each supported by steel piles. Notably, the bridge spanning Sunset Avenue extended to 132 feet in length, while the Orange Avenue bridge measured 66 feet in length, both boasting a width of 45 feet and a height of 32 feet.

To facilitate embankment construction, the project team collaborated closely with UPRR crews, including the shoofly construction, drill track realignment, and installation of new spurs within the City of Industry to accommodate the needs of active railroad customers. Throughout the project's duration, the team coordinated frequently with UPRR's track and signal divisions, ensuring uninterrupted railroad services during construction.

The scope of work extended to various facets, including the placement of 124,000 cubic yards of structural backfill, excavation of 67,000 cubic yards for structural purposes, installation of 16,000 linear feet of storm drain systems, and the reconstruction of roadways at the grade crossings. Collaborative interactions and coordination efforts were integral to the project's success, involving various stakeholders such as the City of Industry, La Puente, Los Angeles County, Southern California Edison, The Gas Company, San Gabriel Valley Water Company, and Verizon. Crucially, meticulous coordination with UPRR consultants and crews played a pivotal role in achieving overall project success, ensuring compliance with specific construction durations and track outages mandated by UPRR to minimize disruptions to railroad traffic, all of which were adhered to within the contractual requirements.