LeavittBridgeComments.docx

Leavitt Meadows Trail Bridge Replacement Pre-bid Questions and Responses

1. What is the project timing?

a. Contract time will start immediately after award so that the bridge can get into fabrication. Actual work on site is not anticipated to begin until September; this would include abutment and wingwall construction so that when the bridge is ready for delivery it can be set directly into place. The campground may be open during the initial abutment work, but is anticipated to be closed by the time bridge delivery occurs.

2. When does snow usually impact the site?

a. The first snow can be expected in early October but rarely stays on the ground for more than a day. Sustained ground snows can be expected to occur in late October or early November. CalTrans will close the highway to traffic approximately 3 miles east of the site, but we can gain access to the site if the snow is not too deep.

3. Where can water be obtained for filling a water truck?

a. The CalTrans maintenance yard at the intersection of US 395 and State Highway 108 has filling capacity. It will be up to the contractor to obtain permission for this purpose. If all feasible options are exhausted the Forest Service may permit drafting from a native body of water.

4. To what extent is tree removal permitted?

a. Small aspens and some small pines may be removed to facilitate equipment access. These will be approved on a per tree basis before they are removed. Limbing of the larger trees will be approved on a per tree basis also.

5. Where is the nearest concrete batch plant?

a. Batch plants are located in Minden/Gardnerville and Smith Valley, Nevada or Lee Vining and Mammoth, California.

6. Is there a borrow pit location for the approach fills?

a. The Forest Service has not identified a borrow pit location. Spoils from abutment excavation may be used for back fill if it meets specifications, otherwise all material will come from a commercial source. These can be found at the same locations as the batch plants or possibly closer.

7. Camping and toilet facilities?

a. Camping within the campground is permitted. If the toilets are used by the contractor after the campground is closed to the public they will be responsible for pumping clean at the project conclusion.

8. Welding and fire restrictions?

a. Permits for welding can be obtained from the Forest Service at the district office in Bridgeport, California. It is anticipated that by the time welding may be needed on-site that fire restrictions will not be in place.

9. To what extent is the old bridge to be removed?

a. Removal of the existing structure is pending historical clearance. The ideal would be full removal of the steel superstructure, wood deck and wood approach spans. The two concrete abutments would remain in place. This option may not be awarded until construction has begun on-site. Removal of the structure to a lesser extent may also be considered, but for bidding assume full removal.

10. Access to the far side of the river and load rating of existing bridge?

a. All access will use the existing bridge which does not have a load rating. The contractor will be responsible for constructing a temporary trail from the existing bridge to the work area and then obliterating after completion. No work will occur within the 100 year flood plan of the river. An Army Corp permit was not and will not be obtained for this project.

11. Was a geotechnical investigation performed?

a. No geotechnical investigation was performed for this project. It is anticipated that bearing will occur on either bedrock or decomposed granite. Estimated bearing values for these are 4000 to 12000 psf. Details have been provided for both spread footings and anchorage to bedrock.

12. What is the length of the wingwalls?

a. The wingwalls as shown on the drawing are the following lengths; Abutment 1=2.2ft, Abutment 2=4.6ft. Backwall widths are 11.25ft at the widest point.

13. What is the design vehicle load?

a. The design vehicle is a H5 which has a total weight of 5000lbs. This is distributed per the loading diagram on sheet 4.

14. Is a trail to be constructed from the bridge to the existing trail?

a. No trail construction beyond the approach fills is required. The Forest Service will construct the connector trail after bridge construction is complete.