I-5 HOV at Valley View Interchange

Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California

The I-5 HOV at Valley View Interchange project successfully expanded the I-5 freeway to accommodate an additional High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane and a general-purpose lane in each direction. It also involved reconstructing several bridges, including those at the Valley View Avenue Interchange and the Coyote Creek Undercrossing, while realigning the existing frontage roads along North and South Firestone Blvd.

From the outset, partnering was at the core of this multi-million-dollar project. The strong foundation laid by facilitated and informal partnering allowed the project team and various third parties to work together effectively, ensuring safe, high-quality project delivery with no claims or Proposed Final Estimate exceptions. This collaborative approach proved instrumental in overcoming the project’s many complexities and challenges.

One notable challenge involved extensive coordination due to the large number of daily motorists and stakeholders, including project team members, cities, transit agencies, and railroads. A crucial aspect of the project was the proximity of work to Union Pacific Railroad train tracks, necessitating detailed planning and coordination to ensure safety and avoid delays. The team engaged in multiple partnering sessions to establish protocols and requirements for construction activities near the tracks, ensuring the project moved forward smoothly. Other key third-party stakeholders requiring coordination included cities of Buena Park, La Mirada, Santa Fe Springs and Cerritos, as well as the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Another significant challenge entailed working around environmental constraints, particularly in managing water flow during construction. The team collaborated with the LA Flood Control District to develop an innovative water diversion plan for the Coyote Creek Channel, allowing work to progress during the dry season and preventing months of delays.

The team also placed a strong emphasis on community relations, with a dedicated public outreach effort. A project website with video updates kept the public informed and facilitated communication, while temporary parking lots, entrances, and detours were installed to minimize disruption to local businesses.

A key factor in the project’s success was early risk management. The team referenced the risk register developed during the design phase, creating a shared guide for identifying and addressing potential issues. Subcontractors were actively involved in weekly partnering meetings, further ensuring that all parties were aligned in their efforts.

A comprehensive partnering charter was developed at the kick-off meeting, setting clear goals for schedule, budget, quality, safety and issue resolution. The issue resolution ladder established during the kick-off allowed the team to address problems at the lowest level possible, utilizing collaborative decision-making practices.

The I-5 HOV project is a prime example of the success that can be achieved through collaboration and partnering in construction. It serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating that with clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and a shared commitment to goals, challenges can be overcome, and projects can be delivered on time, on budget, and with the highest quality.