Challenge: Proposing major changes to an increasingly congested roadway, the City of Carlsbad needed experienced professionals to manage the project from planning through construction.

Project Scope: Dudek provided construction management and inspection services, federal and state funding reimbursement invoicing and compliance for the city, and evaluated and coordinated environmental considerations.

Resolution: Planning to widen highly-congested Rancho Santa Fe Road from two to six lanes and realign a two-mile section, the City of Carlsbad enlisted Dudek to perform various construction management and environmental tasks including:

• Pre-construction services
• Constructability reviews
• Construction, structural and ICBO inspections
• Document control in compliance with local assistance procedures and guidelines
• Federal and state project audits
• Community outreach coordination
• Demolition
• Subsurface utilities
• Prepare technical studies and CEQA/NEPA documentation
• Conduct technical studies that included sensitive biological resources, noise, floodplains, water quality, visual quality and hazardous materials
• Identify an off-site wetlands mitigation area appropriate for creation and enhancement of wetlands, and prepared plans and specifications for this area
• Ensure compliance with required mitigation measures during project implementation
• Obtain and process permits required by various government agencies
• Create 3D simulations of the completed project

After completing phase one construction from La Costa Avenue to San Elijo Road in May 2005, Dudek entered the project's next stage.  This involved extending Rancho Santa Fe Road from San Elijo Road to Melrose Drive and relocating a major intersection as well as constructing two new bridges over San Marcos Creek.  Throughout construction, Dudek coordinated with impacted communities and municipalities to minimize traffic disruptions as well as relocate utilities such as telephone lines, power cables and water, sewer and gas lines.

As a result of Dudek's attention to detail, streamlined communications and close coordination with the City of Carlsbad, the entire expansion project was completed on schedule in July 2006.  The city now has a state-of-the-art roadway that improves traffic flow and safety.