Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: public works

Santa Ana weekend intersection closure at W. Santa Ana Bl. and N. Flower St.

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Construction crews will be working day and night shifts to replace waterlines in preparation for the OC Streetcar. To accommodate this work, a closure of W. Santa Ana Boulevard and N. Flower Street intersection will be in effect starting, Friday, 1/24/20 at 8:00 p.m. and continuing through Monday, 1/27/20 to 5:00 a.m. in the morning.

Right-hand turns at the intersection will be permitted, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. For any questions about the OC Streetcar project, please contact OCstreetcar@octa.net or (844) 746-6272. Download the new OC Streetcar app available in the App Store and Google Play to get updates on traffic closures and detours.

Please note construction schedules are subject to change.

Thank you for your patience during the OC Streetcar construction!

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

Lane reduction on Bristol Street set for Jan. 15 and 16

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For two days, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15th through Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, Bristol Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction between 17th Street and Santa Clara Avenue.

As part of the Bristol Street Rehabilitation Project, the temporary lane reduction is required for construction of the new asphalt pavement.

Please use alternate routes and plan for possible delays since this lane reduction will impact traffic flow.

The lane reduction is subject to change based upon weather conditions.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

A renovated Santa Ana Water Station receives an award

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The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency this month was presented the B.E.S.T. Water Project award by the Southern California chapter of the American Public Works Association for the renovation of the Walnut Water Pump Station located at 723 W. Walnut St.

The B.E.S.T. Award, which stands for “Building Excellence, Shaping Tomorrow,” for the Walnut Water Pump Station was presented at an award luncheon held on Dec. 10 in Lakewood. The Public Works Agency’s Water Resources Team (pictured) accepted the award.

The newly renovated Walnut Water Pump station facility now operates with the latest technology and efficiency standards. This $5 million project was funded through the City’s Water Enterprise Fund rate revenue.

The project included the construction of a new building, new piping, new pumps and new electrical controls with state-of-the-art automation. The station uses more efficient controls to reduce the amount of energy needed to pump the same amount of water.

This pump station is currently fed by three wells and has a 6 million-gallon tank that serves as a storage facility. Walnut Water Pump station serves the heart of the City’s Downtown, making the station a critical infrastructure to the water system.

Lane closure on Bristol Street begins today, 12/10/19

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There is a one lane closure on northbound Bristol Street between 18th Street and Santa Clara Avenue.

As part of the Bristol Street Rehabilitation Project, the one lane closure is for construction to replace bus pads and cross gutters.

The lane closure is effective today, December 10, 2019 through Wednesday, December 19, 2019. Please use alternate routes and plan for possible delays. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Westminster Avenue closures starting tonight

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

OC Streetcar construction crews will be working day and night shifts to build a column support structure for the Westminster Avenue Bridge. To accommodate this work, a full closure of Westminster Avenue, from Harbor Boulevard to Enterprise Drive, will be in effect tonight, Wednesday, 12/4/19 and Thursday, 12/5/19 from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next morning.

The full closure of Westminster Avenue, from Harbor Boulevard to Enterprise Drive, will be in effect again, Friday, 12/6/19 starting at 7:00 p.m. and continuing through Monday, 12/9/19 to 5:00 a.m.

Traffic will be detoured through Clinton Street and Fairview Street. Please follow detour signage and plan for possible delays.

Possible nighttime closures may be in place Monday, 12/9/19 through Wednesday, 12/11/19 each night from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.

Please note, construction schedules are subject to change.

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

Address/Location

No street sweeping on Thanksgiving in Santa Ana

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There will be no street sweeping in Santa Ana on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28). Trash collection will be delayed one day.

On Friday, Nov. 29, there will be no street sweeping.

For the 2019-2020 holiday street sweeping and trash collection schedule, go to www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/pw/Holiday-Sweeping-Trash-Collection-Schedule-2019-2020.pdf.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Agency at (714) 647-3380.

No Hay Barrido de Calles en el Día de Acción de Gracias

No habrá barrido de calles en Santa Ana el Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving, jueves 28 de noviembre). La recolección de basura se retrasará un día.

El viernes 29 de noviembre, no habrá barrido de calles.

Para el horario de barrido de calles y recolección de basura para días festivos en 2019-2020, visita www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/pw/Holiday-Sweeping-Trash-Collection-Schedule-2019-2020.pdf.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctese con el Departamento de Obras Públicas al (714) 647-3380.

The City of Santa Ana is offering free sandbags during the rain

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The City of Santa Ana is offering free sandbags to residents and businesses during winter storms and rain events. Up to 10 sandbags are available per Santa Ana residence or business location.

The self-service sandbag station is available at:

City of Santa Ana Corporate Yard
215 S. Center St., Santa Ana

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Public Works Agency Dispatch at (714) 647-3380 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

La Ciudad de Santa Ana está ofreciendo sacos de arena gratuitos durante las lluvias

La Ciudad de Santa Ana está ofreciendo sacos de arena a residentes y negocios durante las tormentas de invierno y eventos de lluvia. Hasta 10 sacos de arena están disponibles por residencia o negocio en Santa Ana.

La estación de autoservicio de sacos de arena está disponible en:

City of Santa Ana Corporate Yard
215 S. Center St., Santa Ana

Lunes – Viernes: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sábado – Domingo: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Para obtener más información, llame a la Agencia de Obras Públicas al (714) 647-3380 entre 7 a.m. y 4 p.m.

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

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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

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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

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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.