CALTRANS

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Location: Riverside County, CA
Owner: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Project Type: Roadway Widening | Drainage Improvements | Safety Enhancements

Size: 6 miles
 

The Ortega Highway (SR-74) project addresses critical safety and operational concerns on a winding, mountainous stretch of roadway between Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano. Designed to reduce accidents and improve mobility, the work includes widening both the roadway and shoulders, resurfacing existing pavement, and upgrading roadside drainage infrastructure.

Improvements include installation of centerline and edge-line rumble strips to reduce head-on and run-off-road collisions, as well as geometric enhancements to improve sight distance and maneuverability along tight curves.

NGCE supported preconstruction efforts by contributing field-driven engineering and constructability expertise focused on drainage and traffic impacts. Our services included:

• Evaluation of over 60 proposed drainage systems for constructability, hydraulic performance, and staging constraints
• Optimization of drainage alignments to reduce excavation, minimize utility impacts, and streamline installation
• Collaboration on traffic control strategies and phasing plans to ensure continuous public access and safety during construction
• Constructability review of erosion control measures, inlet and outlet conditions, and stormwater routing under steep terrain
• Cost estimation and scheduling support for drainage scopes
   

NGCE’s proactive planning and field-sensitive design review helped support Caltrans and the prime contractor in developing practical, buildable solutions for one of Southern California’s most scenic yet challenging highway corridors.