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Caltrans updates CTC on Presidio Parkway project; traffic switch set for July 9 amid ongoing contractor disputes
Summary
Caltrans presented a progress update on the Presidio Parkway (Doyle Drive) project, announced a 79-hour traffic switch scheduled for July 9–13, and described remaining contract dispute processes including use of a dispute resolution board and facilitated negotiations.
Caltrans told the California Transportation Commission that the Presidio Parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) project is nearing the final construction stages and that a planned multi-day traffic switch is set for the July 9 weekend.
Bijan Sartipi, Caltrans District director for the Bay Area, said the work requires a 79-hour closure beginning 10 p.m. Thursday, July 9, and reopening at 5 a.m. Monday, July 13, to complete four major work zones, pour concrete on a critical crossover connection and complete fire marshal testing that had delayed the original schedule.
Sartipi described the project as a two-phase delivery: Phase 1 completed seismic safety and several contracts in 2012; Phase 2 has been delivered under a public'private partnership. He said substantial completion is targeted for September, with final acceptance next year, and that a milestone payment is due 45 days after substantial completion. He added that the project includes a 30-year operations and maintenance period tied to the concession.
Commissioners asked about notices of potential claims and cost disputes with the contractor. Sartipi and other department staff said many potential claims are being addressed through the contract'specified dispute resolution process, including a dispute resolution board (DRB), a facilitated dispute resolution at mutual agreement, and an escalation process provided under the concession agreement. Staff said several claims already had been settled with commission-approved funding; other notices of potential claims remain under review.
A commissioner asked whether DRB rulings are binding and how many rulings have resulted in payments. Caltrans staff said some DRB rulings have favored the department and some have favored the contractor; the DRB process includes an elevation path and is part of the contract remedies. Staff also said Caltrans is replacing its DRB member and expects to have the board back in action in a matter of weeks.
Why it matters: The Presidio Parkway replaces an aging structure leading to the Golden Gate Bridge and is being delivered with a mix of traditional contracts (Phase 1) and a public'private partnership (Phase 2). The upcoming traffic switch will place motorists onto newly constructed lanes and allow crews to finish remaining connections. Ongoing contractual disputes can affect schedule, payments and the financial carrying costs for the private partner.
Logistics: Caltrans said the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway 1 will remain open during the closure; Mason Street will also remain open. Staff identified four primary work locations (Tour Plaza, critical crossover/pour zone, Girard Interchange, and the Richardson Avenue connection) that require the full weekend closure for paving, restriping and connection work.
Ending: Caltrans presented the update as an informational item and the commission did not take formal action beyond asking follow-up questions. Caltrans said it would continue to pursue resolution of outstanding contractual claims through the DRB and other contract remedies while preparing for the July traffic switch.
