Repair of Storm Damaged Roadways – FEMA Disasters

Location

Various Locations throughout Sierra County, CA

City or County Responsible for Project

Sierra County

Category

Roads: Efficient and Sustainable Road Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects.

Author

Brian Davey

Organization

Sierra County Department of Public Works

Address

101 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936

Phone

530-289-3201

Project Description

The project includes repairs to roadways and a culvert caused by storm events.
Jim Crow Road – Large RSP/sacked concrete, reconstruct upper portion of embankment and shoulder
Brandy City (2 Sites) – Site 1) Saw-cut AC remove 5’ AC 2′ shoulder 3 feet deep 140 LF, restore base and structural section. Site 2) Remove and reconstruct existing embankment 5 feet deep, 24 feet wide 150 LF.
Old Toll Bridge Rd. – Realign road 8-10 feet east (into cut slope), approx 200 LF, MGS at slope failure to restrict vehicles
Long Valley Rd – Allow overtopping/pave road/RSP on four corners
Gold Bluff – Replace damaged culvert, construct headwall, conventional soldier pile wall with timber lagging
Oxford Mine – Conventional soldier pile wall with timber lagging, reconstruct roadway, 24″ CMP, drop basin
The MGE project team performed a field review at each site to develop an understanding of storm damage repair requirements and an engineering approach, and to identify any additional required services. Following field reviews, MGE prepared a report for each site identifying and detailing the appropriate permanent repair, preliminary construction costs, easement and right-of-way needs, and environmental requirements. MGE identified mitigation improvements to reduce the potential for future similar storm damage. The County used the completed Phase 1 reports to obtain additional FEMA funding to complete professional design services (second phase). The second phase involved completing environmental and engineering services needed for permanent repair plans, specifications and estimate development and permit acquisition.
Additionally, MGE provided construction management services including: construction inspection, labor compliance monitoring and materials testing services to ensure the reconstructed embankments were compacted to specifications, contractor submittal reviews, and project safety monitoring. Construction records were also developed to document the projects. Monthly quantities and pay estimates were also included in services provided, as were a final walkthrough for project acceptance, as-built record drawings and a final estimate.
Challenges: The Sierra County slide repairs faced several challenges, such as remote locations, no wi-fi, no cell phone service, expensive per diem lodging, and no gas station for 28 miles. Application of jute mesh to new slopes to assist in erosion control proved to be prudent, as the slopes held up to the atmospheric river in November 2021 delivering up to 12 inches of rain, whereas on another County’s project, the slopes didn’t hold up well without the jute mesh.