05-316014 Construct New Interchange, Rdwy Ex, IB, HMA, RHMA, & Structural Conc.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 5 is soliciting bids for construction of a new interchange on State Route 156 in Monterey County near Castroville, with bids due November 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via Bid Express. This is a federal-aid highway improvement project (NH-P156(118)) subject to prevailing-wage requirements and federal training mandates.

The scope encompasses a new interchange, roadway extension, hot mix asphalt (HMA), rubberized hot mix asphalt (RHMA), and structural concrete work extending from 0.4 mile west of Castroville Boulevard to 0.3 mile east of Monte Del Lago. The work includes 199 bid items spanning lead compliance planning, traffic control systems, structural concrete, piling, drainage, landscaping, electrical work, and environmental mitigation. The contractor must hold either a Class A or Class C-12 license constituting the majority of work. The project requires 15 trainees or apprentices under the federal training program, professionally facilitated project partnering, a dispute resolution board, automated machine guidance for earthwork, environmental product declarations for HMA and concrete materials, Buy America compliance, and a designated on-site safety representative with Cal/OSHA or OSHA certification. Prevailing wages apply at the higher of California Department of Industrial Relations rates or federal minimums. Prompt payment to subcontractors is mandatory within 7 days.

The estimated project cost is $55 million, with work to be completed within 520 working days. Bidders must provide security equal to at least 10 percent of the bid amount. The contract incorporates 2025 Standard Specifications, 2025 Standard Plans, and project plans approved June 8, 2026, with special provisions addressing utility relocations, settlement monitoring, water meter installation, and fire prevention protocols under California fire danger rating requirements.