Over the past few weeks, the contractor has made great strides to complete the wheelchair ramps and sidewalk, with only one small portion remaining. The landscaping contractor has installed an irrigation system for future use, and will install mulch throughout the landscape areas. On November 7th, the electrician began erection of the new traffic signal poles, which should be completed in the next two weeks.
The critical item of work at this time is installation of the new bridge deck across the drainage ditch on Freitas. The contractor is ready to perform this work, which will require closing the intersection at night for 11 hours between approximately 8 PM and 7 AM (the exact timeframe is subject to change). In order for the tall crane to install the bridge deck and to ensure safety, it is necessary for PG&E crews to de-energize the high voltage lines throughout the intersection. As a result of the North Bay fires, PG&E crews are very busy up north and have not been able to re-schedule this work at Freitas/Las Gallinas. As soon as the City receives confirmation for de-energizing the power lines, the bridge deck installation will proceed forward. Also, PG&E has assured City staff that no residents or businesses will be affected by turning off the electricity at the intersection. Our timeline to complete the intersection portion of our project by December will be impacted as a result of PG&E’s focus in Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas. Once the bridge work is complete, the contractor can complete street resurfacing as well as install the new wheelchair ramps at Freitas/Los Gamos.
The City appreciates your patience during construction and request that you allow for additional time to travel through this busy location. If and when possible, please consider taking alternate routes to avoid this intersection, especially during commute times. If I can be of assistance to you, please let me know. Thank you.