The $112 million McKinley Street Grade Separation Project improved mobility and safety along a major transportation corridor in Corona, California. The project replaced the existing at-grade BNSF Railway crossing with a new four-lane bridge. The bridge carries McKinley Street over the railroad tracks and Arlington Channel. Specifically, the approximately 290-foot steel tied-arch bridge eliminated vehicle, pedestrian, and train conflicts at the crossing. The project also included modifications to the State Route 91 eastbound ramps. In addition, a new connector road was built between McKinley Street and Sampson Avenue. Other improvements included retaining walls and upgrades to water, sewer, and storm drain infrastructure.
A key goal of the project was to reduce delays caused by passing trains. Before the grade separation, crossing gates stopped traffic for a cumulative two hours and 35 minutes each day. The City projected that figure could increase to four hours and 20 minutes by 2035. As a result, the grade separation improved traffic flow and reduced delays. Furthermore, eliminating the at-grade crossing improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. It also supported faster emergency response times. The project provided additional benefits to regional goods movement along the BNSF corridor.
Working with Biggs Cardosa Associates, BKF provided survey services in accordance with the Caltrans Survey Manual. These services supported the development of a constructible Plans, Specifications, and Estimate package. Specifically, BKF performed design surveys and mapping. This work included horizontal and vertical control, drainage surveys, topographic surveys, cross sections, and grid grades. BKF also performed open-ended traverses and prepared profile data sheets. In addition, the team prepared required survey documentation to support project design and delivery.
