Newsroom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Brendi Rawlin, Porter Novelli, 619-549-3066
San Diego's First Toll Road Celebrates Major Milestone
First Segment of Otay River Bridge Erected
(SAN DIEGO - January 17, 2006) - South Bay Expressway, a 10-mile technologically advanced toll road that will run from SR 54 in Spring Valley to SR 905 near the Otay Mesa International Border Crossing, today announced a significant construction milestone with the erection of the first segment of the Otay River Bridge, a remarkable engineering feat spanning three quarters of a mile and reaching heights of 18 stories.
The first of 644 segments to complete the 4-lane bridge, placement of this first segment marks a significant milestone in the construction of South Bay Expressway, which is scheduled to open late this year. The Otay River Bridge is one of only two segmental bridges to be built in California, the San Francisco-Oakland East Bay Skyway Bridge, currently under construction, is the second.
"This is a huge construction milestone," said Greg Hulsizer, CEO of California Transportation Ventures, Inc., owner and operator of South Bay Expressway. "The Otay River Bridge will provide San Diego commuters with a quick, reliable connection to and from Otay Mesa and the International Border."
Weighing in at 80 tons, including approximately 7,000 pounds of reinforcing steel, the first segment stands over 18 feet tall.
To place the bridge segments, which are precast in Perris, Calif., workers use a truss to lift them into the air and slide them out into place where they are lowered on a support column (there are 11 sets of dual columns, which are built onsite from the ground up).
Because this segmental construction method allows the bridge's top to be put together from above, it is an environmentally friendly way to build, as it minimizes impact on the sensitive Otay River Valley floor below.
The public can follow Otay River Bridge construction via a time-lapsed Webcam on the South Bay Expressway Web site at www.southbayexpressway.com.
For more information about South Bay Expressway and the Otay River Bridge or to schedule a tour of the construction site, please contact Brendi Rawlin at 619-549-3066. Construction photos and b-roll are available.
About South Bay Expressway
South Bay Expressway is a 10-mile express toll road that will run from SR 54 in Spring Valley to SR 905 near the International Border Crossing. Opening in early 2007, this exciting, new transportation alternative promises a fast, reliable and scenic drive, every time. The new connection will provide convenient access to Downtown, Sorrento Valley, I-8, I-15 North, Otay Mesa and Mexico. The construction of this first class express toll road is being made possible through an innovative public/private partnership, and is one of the first roads of its kind in California and the U.S. For more information, visit www.southbayexpressway.com.
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