Historical Context
Holcomb Avenue has a long history tied to transportation, dating back to the Virginia & Truckee (V&T) Railway, which operated from 1872 to 1950, serving as a critical link between Virginia Cities mining community and the Central Pacific Railroad.
As automobile usage increased and mining declined, the railway was eventually closed, but Holcomb Avenue's significance as a transportation hub did not.
Project Highlights
Granite Construction, Inc. in collaboration with Wood Rodgers Inc. as the design engineer, took on this $3.5 million dollar project aimed at modernizing the area while preserving its historical significance. Initially focused on roadway rehabilitation, the project was expanded to include various safety enhancements and accessibility improvements.
Key Improvements:
• ADA Improvements to sidewalks, driveways, and curb ramps
• Utility improvements to storm drain and electrical facilities
• Landscape improvements
• Realignment of the Sinclair Street intersection
• Updated signage and striping
• Pavement rehabilitation with a grind and overlay for the entire roadway
• A buffered bike lane
• A new bulb-out and RRFB at the Moran Street intersection
Construction Management and Schedule
The project was challenging due to its impact on residents and businesses. With a combination of strategic traffic control plans and communication, the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
Community and Environmental Considerations
Communication and problem-solving were crucial in helping to alleviate commuter concerns and pain points. Granite Construction, Inc. made it a point to adjust construction to address residents' concerns, such as adjusting work hours to accommodate driveway access for residents affected by construction.
Thorough evaluations and on-site meetings were held to address concerns. Issues like mature tree roots near the construction site were handled with care, often was resolved by hand digging in order to protect root systems.
Despite summer thunderstorms, Granite effectively managed environmental protection measures and adhered to local regulations for dust control and stormwater pollution.
Construction Management and Recognition
The paving component was the most expensive and lead to extensive research to find cost-effective approaches. For this reason, a mill and overlay option was chosen for long-term financial efficiency.
In 2023 this project was recognized for its quality, with Granite receiving the 2023 Quality In Construction Award from the National Asphalt Paving Association, highlighting the team's commitment to improving community infrastructure.
Conclusion
The RTC Holcomb Avenue Project successfully balanced modern infrastructure needs with historical preservation, enhancing safety, accessibility, and community relations.
