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Viewing inquiries for 04-160304

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Inquiry #1: Would CalTrans consider releasing digital CAD information in a .dwg, .dgn and/or .xml format to allow for an expedited and more concise takeoff?
Inquiry submitted 09/09/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 09/10/2020




Inquiry #2: The CA High Design Manual Section 850-34 dated December 30th, 2015 warns against specifying plastic pipe in areas with a potential for fire. This project lists Alternative Pipe Culvert in the Bid Schedule. Will Caltrans still allow for plastic pipe to be used on this project?
Inquiry submitted 09/10/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 09/10/2020


Response #2:All Alternative Pipe Culverts will be RCP.
Response posted 09/14/2020




Inquiry #3: The CA High Design Manual Section 850-34 dated December 30th, 2015 warns against specifying plastic pipe in areas with a potential for fire. This project lists Alternative Pipe Culvert in the Bid Schedule. Will Caltrans still allow for plastic pipe to be used on this project?
Inquiry submitted 09/10/2020

Response #1:The same as the question above.
Response posted 09/10/2020


Response #2:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/07/2020




Inquiry #4: Sect. 49-1.03 states that temporary casing may be required to prevent caving in "unstable rock zones". Table 10 of the foundation report limits advancement of temporary casing to specific elevations which are above the estimated top of rock at many of the piles. How has the state determined that there will be no more unstable rock zones within the distance between tip of temporary casing and top of rock? Can temporary casing be advanced to top of bedrock if caving does occur?


Inquiry submitted 09/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 09/24/2020


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued, bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 10/13/2020


Response #3:Please refer to Addendum No. 3 dated October 26, 2020.
Response posted 10/27/2020




Inquiry #5: Piers 2,3,4,and 5 specifically state that synthetic slurry may not be used, how has the state determined that a water slurry will sufficiently maintain shaft wall integrity in the zones which temporary casing is not permitted?
Inquiry submitted 09/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 09/24/2020


Response #2:Unless an addendum is issued, bid per current contract documents.
Response posted 10/13/2020


Response #3:Please refer to Addendum No. 3 dated October 26, 2020.


Response posted 10/27/2020




Inquiry #6: Will the trees be cut to stump under a different contract.
Inquiry submitted 09/28/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 09/29/2020


Response #2:Yes. Trees will be cut on a different contract prior to start of construction on this project.
Response posted 09/30/2020


Response #3:Trees will be removed up to 4" from ground level on a different contract prior to start of construction on this project. Removal of stumps is covered under pay item for clearing and grubbing
Response posted 10/13/2020




Inquiry #7: Items 126 & 127 reference 10" WSP Casing (Bridge) and 24" WSP Casing (Bridge) respectively. I cannot find these two casings in the plans. Can you please indicate where they are to be installed and any associated details?
Inquiry submitted 10/08/2020

Response #1:Refer to plan sheet 125 of 171, ELEVATION view, Standard Plan bubbles B7-8 and RSP B7-10/U-8. The 10” and 24” WSP casings form the utility openings at Abutment 1 backwall, then go under the structure approach slab.
Response posted 10/12/2020




Inquiry #8: There are numerous notes throughout the project that read " SEE ROADWAY PLANS" which plans are you reffering to ?
Inquiry submitted 10/08/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/09/2020


Response #2:The Roadway Plans are the first 106 sheets of the project's plan set.
Response posted 10/13/2020




Inquiry #9: The plans call for the weir to be removed, are there any as builts of the weir?
Inquiry submitted 10/09/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/09/2020


Response #2:No. There are no as-builts for the weir.
Response posted 10/13/2020




Inquiry #10: Drainage Details sheet DD-4 and DD-5 does not show the concrete removal as shown in the summary of quantities on sheet DD-3 for 217 CY during the 1st season. Please confirm the dimensions of the concrete to be removed in the 1st season.
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/14/2020


Response #2:The concrete weir removal in the first season is shown on DP-4. The volumes estimated for 1st season removal were:


  • Weir: 18 CY (160 ft long x 1 ft wide x 3 ft deep)

  • Footings: 98 CY (approx. 880 sq ft x 3 ft deep)

  • Concrete blocks in the channel: 100 CY

Response posted 10/20/2020




Inquiry #11: Under the findings in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ITP; Permit Number 2081-2018-072-03, it states a biologist is to be present during construction. Please confirm CalTrans will be providing a biologist during construction. If CalTrans is not providing the biologist, then please confirm which bid item the contractor-supplied biologist will be paid under.
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/14/2020


Response #2:Yes. Caltrans will provide the biologist.
Response posted 10/15/2020




Inquiry #12: Please provide the California Department of Fish and Wildlife 1600; Permit Number 1600-2018-0345-R3.
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/14/2020


Response #2:See Addendum 1.
Response posted 10/14/2020




Inquiry #13: Please provide the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biological Opinion; Permit number 0SESMF00-2015-F-0073-2.
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:See Addendum 1.
Response posted 10/14/2020




Inquiry #14: In plan sheet C-6 revised by addendum 1 issued on 10/14/2020, it shows a note, "Between Grade Breaks, Replace EXISTING Concrete w/ Rock Classes A and B, match OG." Is this paid under bid item 37 Remove Concrete? Please also confirm depth of the existing concrete pad within the existing channel.
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/14/2020


Response #2:The concrete weir removal in the first season is shown on DP-4. The volumes estimated for 1st season removal were:


  • Weir: 18 CY (160 ft long x 1 ft wide x 3 ft deep)

  • Footings: 98 CY (approx. 880 sq ft x 3 ft deep)

  • Concrete blocks in the channel: 100 CY


Response posted 10/15/2020


Response #3:The concrete removal is paid for in bid item 37 (Remove Concrete) The rock placement is paid for in bid items for Rock Group placement The existing depth of the concrete weir and pads are not known.
Contractor shall remove the concrete up to the depth shown on the plans.

Response posted 10/20/2020




Inquiry #15: Which bid item is sheet No. 147 paid under?
Inquiry submitted 10/14/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/14/2020




Inquiry #16: Addenda 1 revised the quantity table on Sheet 41 to the extent that it defined ESM-1 as Class III Slope Protection, which is defined under Section 72-2.02B of the Standard Specifications. However, Section 72-13.02 of the Special Provisions, which provides a description of ESM-1 that would not meet the requirements for Class III Slope Protection as defined under Section 72-2.02B, was not revised. Please clarify this conflict in specifications, what gradation and size is the ESM-1 material to be?
Inquiry submitted 10/15/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #17: On typical cross sections sheet X-3, detail "C1" 119+50 to 121+00 has a roadway section that is not identified between Section A and Section 2. Please confirm what material is between the two typical pavement structure sections.
Inquiry submitted 10/15/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/15/2020


Response #2:See Addendum 3.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #18: A previous question has been asked about the work shown on Sht. No. 147 of 171 and how it is to paid under what specific Bid Item or Items. Additionally Electrical Conduit and Pull Boxes are shown on Sht. 115, 116 and 117 of 171. There appears to be no Electrical Lighting Bid Items in the Bid Item List. How is this significant Electrical Lighting work shown on these 4 ea. Plan Sheets for a future Lighting System going to be paid in this Contract.
Inquiry submitted 10/15/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/15/2020




Inquiry #19: Gabion Basket Details No. 1 in CalTrans 2018 Standard Plan Sheet D100A, it shows 9 different standard Gabion Sizes.

Sheet WPCD-2 Temporary Water Pollution Control Details for the Temporary Creek Diversion Systems show a 4 ft high Gabion Basket. Please confirm which Standard Gabion Sizes are to be installed.

Are there two different kinds of gabion baskets stacked on one another? The max height is 3 ft in the standard drawing details.

Inquiry submitted 10/16/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/21/2020


Response #2:There is no particular preference on Gabion Baskets, the type provided in standard detail D100A is fine.
Response posted 10/22/2020




Inquiry #20: The Notice to Bidders states "Complete the work, excluding plant establishment work, within 620 working days". The Notice to Bidders also states "Complete the work, including plant establishment work, within 620 working days." Please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 10/16/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/17/2020


Response #2:The 250 working days Plant Establishment Period (PEP) run parallel to the 620 working days.
So, when main project construction starts, PEP work also starts Independently and run parallel to project construction.

Response posted 10/20/2020




Inquiry #21: Section B-B on sheet 138, what is the size and spacing of the hairpins in the Viaduct slab?
Inquiry submitted 10/16/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/17/2020


Response #2:Please refer to Addendum No. 3 dated October 26, 2020.
Response posted 10/27/2020




Inquiry #22: "Complete the work, excluding plant establishment work, within 620 working days.
Complete the work, including plant establishment work, within 620 working days.
Complete the plant establishment work within 250 working days." are stated in Notice to bidders.
Do the 620 working days include or exclude plant establishment?

Inquiry submitted 10/16/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/17/2020


Response #2:The 620 exclude the 250 working days.
Response posted 10/20/2020




Inquiry #23: The plans and specs call for us to support and monitor the existing aqueduct above the soil nail wall construction. Are there as-builts of this aqueduct so we can design a support method?
Inquiry submitted 10/21/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/21/2020




Inquiry #24: Can Caltrans provide as-builts of the existing bridge to be demolished? We did not see them in the table for supplemental project information.
Inquiry submitted 10/21/2020

Response #1:From the Standard Specifications, Section 2-1.06B Supplemental Project Information:


    If bridge as-built drawings are available:
    1. For a project in District 1 through 6 or 10, you may request them from the Office of Structure Maintenance and Investigations, fax (916) 227-8357
    2. For a project in District 7, 8, 9, 11, or 12, you may request them from the Office of Structure Maintenance and Investigations, fax (916) 227-8357, and they are available at the Office of Structure Maintenance and Investigations, Los Angeles, CA, telephone (213) 897-0877

    As-built drawings may not show existing dimensions and conditions. Where new construction dimensions are dependent on existing bridge

Response posted 10/21/2020




Inquiry #25: Will any of the debris piles and scrub vegetation also be removed as part of the separate clearing contract?
Inquiry submitted 10/21/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/21/2020




Inquiry #26: On page 171, ECL-1 Legend, Erosion Control (Type 3) ESC, Step 2, in the "Remarks" it states SEE EARTHWORK TABLE ON SUMMARY OF QUANTITIES SHEETS. There is not Earthwork Quantities listed on the Summary Sheet. Please clarify.
There is not an item for this topsoil and compost. Is this Inported Biofiltration Soil and the quantities are incorrect?

Inquiry submitted 10/22/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/22/2020




Inquiry #27: May the fully plantable Verdura Retaining Wall block system which is on the CALTRANS AERS list be used as an alternate to the Gabion basket for the Embankment Confinement System (ECS)?
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #28: Does your answer to BI #21 contradict your answer to BI #19?
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #29: The creek diversion plan shows how we are to divert the creek to do construction in the dry creek bed. As is, we can demolish the weir, columns, and do the creek bed excavation, outside of the diversion in the dry. But there will still be work remaining within the diversion, where the creek will be running quickly. Shouldn't the diversion plans show how we are to do the remaining demolition and excavation where the creek flows? Should you show a two stage diversion?
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #30: On Plan Sheet 124 of 171, the detail for the area between 118+50 to 119+20 shows us excavating enough material (including slope paving) to make room for the new box girder bridge. On the right side, it shows us cutting a vertical edge that appears to be significantly deeper than the box girder depth of 5', which means we will have to temporarily shore this area since traffic is just beyond this in Stage 2. It also shows that there will be no structure backfill under the box girder section after it is constructed. What will be the final layout of this area after we pull the temporary shoring?
Inquiry submitted 10/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #31: The Notice to Bidders states that the work, excluding plant establishment work, is to be completed in 620 working days. It also states that the work, including plant establishment work, is to be completed in 620 working days, It then states that the plant establishment work must be completed in 250 working days.

The response to Inquiry #19 states: "The 250 working days Plant Establishment Period (PEP) run parallel to the 620 working days. So, when main project construction starts, PEP work also starts Independently and run parallel to project construction."
This means the 620 working days to complete the project is inclusive of the 250 working day plant establishment period.

The response to Inquiry #21 states: "The 620 exclude the 250 working days." This means that the 250 working days for the plant establishment period is not concurrent with the 620 working days to complete all other work.

The project specifications and environmental permits restrict work in such a way that the project will require 3 seasons to complete. The project staging plans do not allow for the demolition of the existing roadway and bridge until the new alignment and bridge are complete and carrying traffic. The earliest this can be done will be late in Stage 2 of the second season. The existing bridge will not be demolished until the third season.

The project planting plans include a significant amount of new planting along the alignment of the old roadway and around the existing bridge abutment after it is demolished.

Given the above, it is not possible to complete all of the planting work until the third season, very late in the project.

Please clarify the intent of the plant establishment period. When does the plant establishment begin and end?

Inquiry submitted 10/23/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #32: Please clarify what the "Temporary Construction Mat" (Bid Item 39) entails. Is there a standard detail for it?
Inquiry submitted 10/25/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #33: According to NOTICE TO BIDDERS, the completion time of the work, excluding plant establishment work & including plant establishment work are the same, 620 working days, please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #34: Refer to sheet IP-2 dated 10/14/2020, there are (2) 2" check valve added, however, item 71 on Bid item list just show (6) check valve corresponding to (6) 1.5" check valve on plan, please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #35: Refer to sheet ECL-1, Erosion control (Type 3) table shows Compost that is not verified on bid item list, please clarify the item shall include compost.
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #36: Addenda 1 revised the quantity table on Sheet 41 to the extent that it defined ESM-1 as Class III Slope Protection, which is defined under Section 72-2.02B of the Standard Specifications. However, Section 72-13.02 of the Special Provisions, which provides a description of ESM-1 that would not meet the requirements for Class III Slope Protection as defined under Section 72-2.02B, was not revised. Please clarify this conflict in specifications, what gradation and size is the ESM-1 material to be?
Inquiry submitted 10/26/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/26/2020




Inquiry #37: On Sheet C-2, there does not appear to be enough space for the construction of Detail A at the top of the ECS Typical Section. The minimum required distances in Detail A conflict with the Max/Min distances in the Typical Section at the top. Please clarify.
Inquiry submitted 10/27/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/27/2020


Response #2:Bid per plans and specs.
Response posted 10/29/2020




Inquiry #38: Addendum 3 added additional Midwest Guardrail(MGS), however the addendum did not address the additional staining that would also be required. The price in the special provisions for staining the MGS is a Lump Sum.
Also the LS price for staining the MGS does not include the staining of the steel posts, will the posts need to be stained, and if so how will that be paid?

Inquiry submitted 10/27/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/28/2020




Inquiry #39: There are numerous vital bidder inquiries that need responses.
Will the bid opening be postponed to address all the outstanding questions?

Inquiry submitted 10/28/2020

Response #1:Submitted for consideration.
Response posted 10/28/2020


Response #2:Bid opens today. Bid per plans and specs.
Response posted 10/29/2020


The information provided in the responses to bidder inquiries is not a waiver of Section 2-1.07, "JOB SITE AND DOCUMENT EXAMINATION" of the Standard Specifications or any other provision of the contract, nor to excuse the contractor from full compliance with the contract. Bidders are cautioned that subsequent responses or contract addenda may change a previous response.