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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: public works

Westminster Avenue closure set for tonight, 11/13/19

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OC Streetcar crews will be working during nighttime hours to build a column support structure for the Westminster Avenue Bridge. A full closure of Westminster Avenue, from Harbor Boulevard to Enterprise Drive, will be in effect tonight, Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next morning.

Traffic will be detoured through Clinton Street and Fairview Street.

For current OC Streetcar project status and updates please visit:
http://www.octa.net/Projects-and-Programs/All-Projects/Rail-Projects/OC-Streetcar/?frm=7683

To receive OC Streetcar construction notices visit:
http://www.octa.net/Projects-and-Programs/All-Projects/Rail-Projects/OC-Streetcar/?frm=7683#!Construction

The OCTA is planning to improve the 55 Fwy. between the 5 and the 91 Freeways

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, Orange County, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

The SR-55 Improvement Project proposes to add one general purpose lane in each direction on SR-55 between I-5 and SR-22, and provide operational improvements at various locations along the corridor. The project goal is to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, increase freeway capacity and improve traffic operations. The project proposes to adds freeway capacity while staying within the existing freeway right-of-way and make ramp modifications.

The project will improve ramp capacity at various locations, including the 4th Street off-ramps and the SB Katella Avenue on- and off-ramps. In both instances, these improvements would reduce vehicle queues and improve intersection operations by adding an additional lane.

The project also proposes to relocate the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp next to the existing SB Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. Relocation is intended to address the short weaving distances between the SR-91 connector and the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, which has resulted in traffic congestion and high accident rates.

The Draft Environmental Document (DED) is available for public review and community members will have an opportunity to review and provide their comments from September 30 to October, 30, 2019. Caltrans is accepting comments via email or by mail. For more information on the project, including locations where the DED is available for viewing, visit www.octa.net/SR55northdetails.

There are a number of ways for the community to stay informed about the project. Visit www.octa.net/sr55north or follow the project on Facebook.com/SR55north, Twitter @SR55Project, and Instagram @SR55Improvement.

Upcoming Santa Ana winds may result in power outages

Posted on by Posted in Energy, public works, Santa Ana, Weather Leave a comment

Strong Santa Ana winds are expected in Orange County on Thursday, October 10, 2019. The winds are expected to be widespread and peak Thursday with northeast winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts up to 55 mph. Winds are expected to weaken slightly Friday, and then diminish Saturday, October 12, 2019.

Southern California Edison (SCE) says it is considering power cuts, in advance of the winds, to more than 106,000 customers in parts of eight counties. For a full list of cities and maps of the affected neighborhoods for the possible SCE shutoff, visit https://www.scemaintenance.com/content/sce-maintenance/en/psps.html.

Temperatures could reach into the 80s, and the humidity is expected to fall rapidly by Thursday afternoon. This means grasses and brush will be dry and quicker to burn. Watch for fallen trees, traffic signal light outages, and downed utility poles during the strong winds. To report City of Santa Ana Public Works issues, call 714-647-3380, e-mail PWADispatch@santa-ana.org, or download mySantaAna app.

Important update on the changes to the eastbound 22 Freeway at Bristol

Posted on by Posted in Garden Grove, OCTA, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation 1 Comment

Construction for this project has just started and is expected to finish in Summer 2021. The purpose of this project is to improve safety for the Eastbound SR-22 freeway Interchange at SR-57, and the I-5 freeways.

The Bristol Street On-ramp will continue to provide access to SR-57 Northbound, I-5 Northbound, and I-5 Southbound. Only the access to the SR-22 Eastbound will be removed. Motorists will still be able to access Eastbound SR-22 from the City Drive or Main Street/Town and Country On-ramps.

There are no detours through Santa Ana neighborhoods! (See above detour map.)

Most work and detours will occur at night. Detour signs will be placed on affected arterials.

A meeting to provide further information about this project will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The meeting location is:
Izaak Walton League Cabin
1714 Santa Clara Avenue, Santa Ana, CA. 92706

After Project Completion

The removal of half a mile of the collector-distributor road concrete barrier as well as the extension of the concrete barrier to provide access to the horseshoe connector will have two significant impacts.

  • The access to Eastbound SR-22 immediately before the horseshoe connector will be closed.
  • The Bristol St. on ramp will only provide access to the horseshoe connector. It will no longer connect to Eastbound SR-22. (Motorists will still be to access Eastbound SR-22 from The City Dr on ramp.)

The Santa Ana Public Works Agency reduces development permit processing time by 67%

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The City of Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency has been increasing its efforts to streamline processes for homeowners, utility companies and developers. A permit process that used to take 18 weeks can now be completed in six. Every Tuesday for the next three months from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Public Works Director Fuad Sweiss will be available at the City Hall Public Counter to work with his staff to expedite requests and reviews.

“The City strives to serve its residents and stakeholders and I am pleased that Public Works is actively seeking to improve the level of customer service provided by staff,” said Santa Ana Councilmember Vincent Sarmiento.

The Public Works Agency is responsible for a large number of City services and programs, namely: building and maintaining all public streets, storm drains, sewers, and water facilities; coordinating the collection and recycling of refuse; street sweeping, landscaping and tree-trimming; and removing graffiti. Public Works also oversees the system that produces national award-winning drinking water, and works with developers to ensure that City development standards are met.

The permit process can require extensive staff time to make sure it meets city codes and standards. In the past, certain permits could take over 18 weeks to be reviewed and processed. In an effort to streamline the permit process and provide better customer service, Public Works has begun adding staff to the Development Engineering counter on the first floor of City Hall Ross Annex.

The Public Works Agency has been hiring additional employees, contracting out certain services, and exploring new methods to categorize permits according to complexity and establish certain thresholds for approving various types of permits. With the recent help of additional resources and a streamlined process, the permit process now only takes six weeks to complete.

“Last week, I brought a set of plans for the construction of a new Starbucks store to the Public Works counter. Mr. Sweiss and staff reviewed the plans and gave me their comments on the spot, which saved me time and helped my project go smoothly,” said Amir Houriani, a developer with several projects in Santa Ana.

In the last 12 months, Public Works staff has served approximately 3,500 Public Counter customers and completed/issued an estimated:
• 4,560 Permits
• 1,850 Plan Checks
• 1,200 Street Work and Utility Permits
• 850 Building Permit Releases
• 550 Wide Load Permits
• 110 Site Plan Reviews

“In recent months, the level of coordination for the issuance of maintenance permits has improved between Southern California Edison and the City of Santa Ana thanks to enhanced permit processes and regular meetings with the Public Works senior managers and staff,” said Karalee Darnell of Southern California Edison.

In addition to offering utility plan check support on Tuesday mornings, the Public Works Agency offers Development and Permit Parking assistance at the Public Counter on the following days and times:
• Development: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Permit Parking: Monday – Thursday and every other Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about Development Engineering services, please visit the Public Works counter at City Hall, call (714) 647-5039, or visit www.santa-ana.org/pw/engineering-services.

About City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

Work to begin on State Route 22 Safety Improvement Project

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

SANTA ANA – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin a $20 million safety improvement project on State Route 22 in Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and Orange from Brookhurst St to the horseshoe connector that services Northbound Interstate 5 and Northbound State Route 57. This project will widen the inside of the connector, remove a half a mile of the collector-distributor road concrete barrier, and extend the concrete barrier to provide access to the horseshoe connector.

Work will begin the week of July 22nd and end in the summer of 2021. The operation will mainly feature nighttime work and closures. Please expect delays during construction hours. Be advised, weather conditions may affect this operation.

Know before you go! To stay on top of roadwork for this project visit the project website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-12/district-12-current-projects/sr-22-safety-improvement-project) and sign up for commuter alerts. Follow Caltrans District 12 for the latest information on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

To assist in planning your commute, view live traffic conditions using QuickMap (http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/) and planned lane closures (https://lcswebreports.dot.ca.gov/searchdistricts?district=12). For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Justin Lesniewski at 657-328-6594 or TTY 711.

You might smell natural gas in Santa Ana early on Tuesday morning

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Energy, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas®) will be in Santa Ana performing a pipeline improvement project this week on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

To perform this pipeline improvement project safely, the operation will require a controlled release of natural gas into the atmosphere.

The controlled gas release will take place at the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and Grand Avenue.

During this time, you may smell the odor of natural gas and hear a loud, steady noise as we vent natural gas from the pipeline using safe and common techniques. Although this is normal when crews are working, we encourage anyone who has concerns about the smell of gas to call us from a safe location at 1-800-427-2200. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Your gas service should continue without interruption. If that changes, a SoCalGas representative will contact you. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience while we perform this work and appreciate your patience and cooperation.

The City of Santa Ana got permission to clean up the homeless trash along the train tracks

Posted on by Posted in Crime, homeless, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD, Waste 3 Comments

SANTA ANA, CA – On May 9, 2019, a Superior Court judge granted the City’s application for an Inspection and Abatement Warrant, which allows City staff to legally enter Union Pacific property and abate public nuisance or dangerous conditions, according to the City of Santa Ana.

On May 22, 2019 at approximately 8:00AM, over 50 City of Santa Ana staff (Code Enforcement, Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development) as well as private contractors, began a large scale service of the inspection and abatement warrant at five locations within the city.

The locations impacted were:
• 1200-1300 E. Edinger
• 1716 S. Santa Fe
• 2500 S. Main/Goetz
• 1000-1100 E. Chestnut/Santa Fe
• 1200-1300 E. Warner

The warrant authorized City staff to enter the private property of Union Pacific Railroad, to perform inspections and abate any dangerous conditions. For example, at the 1200-1300 E. Edinger location (3 blocks south along the railroad right of way), staff discovered over 60 encampments/shanty’s occupied by 16 individuals. Trash and debris was strewn around the area. Staff determined it was imperative, for public health and safety, to immediately abate the dangerous condition. Public works crews and private contractors began cleanup efforts.

Police Officers and representatives of the Orange County Health Care Agency provided outreach to all 16 contacted individuals experiencing homelessness. None accepted services. One (1) individual was arrested for narcotics violations.

This abatement effort comes after months of repeated attempts to ensure that Union Pacific properly addresses their railroad right-of-ways in our City and hold them accountable for their property much like we do with any other property owner. Based on State law and the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the City will be billing Union Pacific for the recovery of the city’s costs required for abatement of these areas. These areas were chosen due to the high number of violations that were visible from the public right-of-way. This is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the quality of life of all residents.

More information about the totality of the operation will be forthcoming at operation conclusion.

About City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

37 vagrants were arrested during the Santiago Creek cleanup on Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Crime, homeless, Jose Solorio, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD 4 Comments

By Santa Ana City Councilman Jose Solorio

Based on our recent Santiago Creek tour we held with neighborhood leaders, our Police Chief, and new City Manager (Kristine Ridge), the City coordinated for yesterday and today, Operation Santiago Creek. It focuses on the Creek and areas underneath the 5 FWY/ Broadway underpasses.

A total of 46 people were contacted at this location yesterday, most of whom were experiencing homelessness:

  • 15 of the 46 had ties to Santa Ana but refused any type of shelter or assistance.
  • 31 of the 46 did not have any ties to Santa Ana. Only 3 of these non-Santa Ana individuals accepted shelter at the Courtyard.
  • A total of 37 were arrested for violation of the Santa Ana Municipal Code 10-403(C) Unlawful Storage of Property in Public Area, Warrants, or Narcotic Violations.
  • 6 others were contacted but released without any incident.

Also related..a follow-up to the recent meetings I held with our local neighborhood leaders, I placed 85C item (below) on the agenda for next Tuesday (5/21) so we can be clear with City staff that our neighborhoods and residents want to prioritize the use of Measure X tax revenues for addressing our homelessness crisis and public safety issues, as Measure X said it would.

ITEM 85C: DISCUSS AND DIRECT STAFF, AS APPROPRIATE, TO USE MEASURE X FUNDS TO EXPAND CITY’S CURRENT CONTRACT WITH ALLIED UNIVERSAL SECURITY SERVICES TO QUICKLY AND COST-EFFECTIVELY BEGIN PROVIDING SECURITY SERVICES AT FIVE PARKS IN EACH WARD, PLUS SANTIAGO CREEK, DEDICATED BIKE TRAILS OWNED BY THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, AND ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AT CENTENNIAL PARK. UNTIL THE CITY IS ABLE TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE PARK RANGER PROGRAM, THESE EXPANDED SERVICES WOULD ALLOW US TO ADDRESS INCREASING CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS REGARDING HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS, TRASH, GRAFFITI, DRUG USE AND RELATED PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS – Councilmember Solorio

It would be fantastic if we had sufficient officers to provide more ongoing patrols and services, but our Santa Ana Police Department just has too many vacancies to do more for us at our parks and Creek. Expanding our existing contract with our security services would be much quicker and more cost-effective, so I am hopeful we can do this or something similar.

Like many in Santa Ana, I voted against the Measure, but since it was passed by our voters I want to make we use the new tax revenue wisely and as marketed to voters.

If you could come and speak in support of 85C at the Council meeting next Tuesday that would be best. However, you can also send emails to the City Clerk via the ecomments email below and email the Mayor and City Councilmembers directly from their webpage.

eComment@santa-ana.org

Link to full agenda: http://bit.ly/SACouncilAgenda052119

Destruction of the 5 Freeway HOV ramp at Main St. to start next week

Posted on by Posted in Development, OCTA, Orange County, public works, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

RAMP CLOSURE PROJECT BEGINS NEXT WEEK /// PROYECTO DE CIERRE DE RAMPA COMIENZA LA PRÓXIMA SEMANA

Approximately 380,000 motorists travel I-5 each day between the SR-55 and SR-57 freeways. That figure is expected to climb to more than 400,000 vehicles daily by 2035, an increase of nearly 7 percent.

The existing high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes were constructed about 20 years ago, and there are bottlenecks during peak traffic hours, with speeds averaging less than 45 mph.

This project will add a second HOV lane in each direction of I-5 from the 55 to the 57, and the HOV lanes will be striped for continuous access.

PROJECT STATUS:

Adding a second HOV lane in each direction will require removing the concrete barrier between the existing HOV lanes and the general purpose lanes, and demolishing the I-5/Main Street HOV drop-ramp structure.

The structure is expected to be demolished in three stages. The first two stages will require lane closures; the last stage will require a full freeway closure.

DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PROYECTO

Aproximadamente, 380,000 automovilistas viajan por la autopista I-5 entre el SR-55 y el SR-57 cada día. Para el año 2035, se prevé que esta cifra aumentara casi el 7 porciento a mas de 400,000 vehiculos por dia.

El carril compartido (HOV) existente fue construido aproximadamente hace 20 años y durante las horas mas altas de tráfico hay estanques de vehiculos manejando a la velocidad promedia de 45 mph.

Este proyecto agregará un segundo carril compartido (HOV) a ambas direcciones de la autopista I-5 entre el SR-55 y el SR-57 y los carriles HOV seran rayados para acceso continuo.

ESTADO DEL PROYECTO

Para agregar el segundo carril compartido se requiere la
eliminación de la barrera de hormigón actual situada entre el carril compartido existente y los carriles de uso general al igual que la eliminación de la structura de rampa de descenso
I-5/Main Street HOV drop-ramp.

Se espera que la estructura sea demolida en tres etapas. Las primeras dos estapas solo requieren cerraduras parciales de la autopista I-5; la ultima etapa requiere cerredura completa de la autopista I-5.

A neighborhood meeting will be held on Saturday about the 5 Freeway Main St. Carpool Ramp closure

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, public works, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

The I-5/Main Street carpool ramp is expected to be permanently closed the first week of April to prepare for demolition this summer. Activities prior to the bridge closure include adjusting traffic signals, restriping lanes and installing temporary barriers on Main Street.

The Orange County Transportation Agency (OCTA) invites you to learn about updates on the I-5 FWY improvement project between SR-55 and SR-57. A neighborhood meeting about the ramp closure and demolition will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 9 am – 10:30 am at Hoover Elementary School, located at 408 E. Santa Clara Avenue. Refreshments will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their lawn chairs.

Sign up to recieve weekly construction alerts at octa.net/i5central by visting our Stay Connected Tab.

How to report potholes to the City of Santa Ana

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Advisory: WANT TO REPORT A POTHOLE? // ¿QUIERE REPORTAR UN BACHE?

You can request pothole repairs through the following:

  1. Download Smartphone Application, mySantaAna
  2. Public Works Pothole Map (Website)
  3. Call the Public Works Dispatch Phone: (714) 647-3380

Potholes – No one likes them and they seem to pop up almost overnight. In reality, potholes are created in many ways and the most common way is when water seeps into cracks on the surface of the road. Water combined with the vibration of the tires over the cracks may eventually cause the asphalt to fail and create a pothole (diagram below).

The Public Works Agency Maintenance Services Division provides rapid pothole repair services daily. A pothole is repaired by removing the loose pavement, cleaning the hole, followed by application of a tack coat of liquid asphalt and finally, hot asphalt is compacted into the hole and the surfaced leveled.

If you notice a pothole on a Santa Ana street, you may submit a request through the reporting options noted above and a crew will be dispatched to inspect the area and make the necessary repairs.

++++++++++

¿QUIERE REPORTAR UN BACHE?

Usted puede solicitar reparaciones de baches de la siguiente manera:

  1. Descargue la aplicación de teléfono móvil, mySantaAna.
  2. Mapa de baches de Obras Públicas (Pagina Web)
  3. Llame el numero de teléfono para el Despacho de Obras Publicas: (714) 647-3380

Baches – A nadie le gustan y parecen aparecer de un dia al otro. En realidad, los baches se forman de muchas maneras y la forma más común es cuando el agua se filtra por las aberturas de la carretera. El agua combinada con la vibración de las llantas de coches sobre las aberturas hacen que el asfalto falle y cree un bache.

La Division de Mantenimiento de la Agencia de Obras Publicas ofrece servicios rápidos de reparación de baches diariamente. Un bache se repara removiendo el pavimento suelto, se limpia el agujero, se le aplica una capa de asfalto líquido, y finalmente, el asfalto caliente se compacta en el agujero y la superficie es anivelada.

Si usted ve un bache en las calles de Santa Ana, puede enviar una solicitud a través de las opciones de informe mencionadas anteriormente y se enviara un equipo para inspeccionar la calle para hacer las reparaciones necesarias.

The City of Santa Ana has received a new grant to fund bicycle and pedestrian safety education

Posted on by Posted in Bicycles, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community: City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency Receives Grant For Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Education Program

The safety of families who use roadways to walk or ride their bike is the focus of an education program with City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency.

A $50,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will fund the year-long program that includes a variety of educational activities like bike rodeos, classroom presentations and community events aimed at teaching youth and adults about traffic rules, rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian and bicyclist.

Bicycle and pedestrian deaths account for 29 percent of all roadway deaths in California and the number of people killed on foot or on a bicycle is growing at an alarming rate. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows 1,014 bicyclists and pedestrians across the state were killed in 2016, a nearly 30 percent increase from 2012. This equates to nearly three bicycle and pedestrian deaths in California every day.

“More than half of Santa Ana residents do not have access to a motor vehicle. Safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is a priority in the City of Santa Ana,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said.

Educational efforts funded by the OTS grant will promote safe behaviors by pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers; including avoiding distractions like cell phones, looking for parked cars that may be pulling out or opening a door, and making yourself visible by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night.

“Bicycle and pedestrian safety responsibilities go both ways,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said. “Understanding the rules of the road behind the wheel, on foot or on two wheels helps all roadway users get where they need to go safely.”

Funding for this bicycle and pedestrian safety education program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.