When will the cross sections be available and where?

• Cross sections will be available as of 10/25/02  10/30/02  11/07/02 and can be downloaded for printing at any local printing firm: 

Is there a local printing firm to order full size plans from?

• The plans can be downloaded through the link above and can be printed at any local printing firm. 

The following bid items should be "Specialty Items" but are not. 
12-15, 34, 57, 59, 95, 96, 129, 132, 135-138, 142, 143, 145-147, 149, 160, 161-179. 
When you revise the bid form will you please mark these items as "Specialty Items".

• If we revise the bid form we may consider making most of the items listed as specialty items. Item 15 is already (S). 

In Section 10-1.43 paragraph 1 states:

2. Any portion of a test strip fails to conform to the provisions in Section 40-1.10, "Final Finishing," of the Standard Specifications for straight edge and profile requirements without the use of grinding or other corrective method, or

If test strip fails to conform to the specifications, before grinding, test strip shall be removed at the Contractor's expense.  Additional test strips shall be constructed until the Contractor can demonstrate that test strip will conform to the requirements of these specifications.

• In accordance with Section 4-1.03 of the Standard Specifications, the State will pay for grinding of the existing adjacent lane if necessary. Grinding of the test strip shall be allowed as a corrective measure. All remaining requirements of Section 40-1.10 "Final Finishing" of the Standard Specifications and Section 10-1.43 of the Special Provisions shall be met. Dowel tolerances will be measured after grinding.

THE CROSS SECTIONS AND LARGE SIZE PLANS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD AT THIS TIME DESPITE STATEMENTS TO THE CONTRARY ON THIS SITE.  WHEN WILL THEY BE AVAILABLE?

• The plans sheets have been available since the contract was advertised.
• The date for availability of cross sections was not updated accurately until yesterday 11/07/02 when they became available. 

Bid Item 85 and the quantity sheet for Mira Mesa Blvd. UC (widen) indicate 315 m of 600 mm Cast-In-Drilled-Hole Concrete Piling.  This appears to be in error.  Our take-off indicates 120.5 m.  Will the quantity be changed or is a final pay quantity as the bid form shows?

• SEE ADDENDUM No. 2.

Bid Item #84, Seal longitudinal Joint with a quantity of 8.970 meters, does it apply to this job? The specification for drill and dowels to join at existing P.C.C. paving, Revised Standard Plan RSP A35A (Sheet 523 of 581) is part of this set. 

• RSP A35A is incorrect, the correct RSP is A35B. Doweled weakened plane joints are required in          accordance with 5-1.04 COORDINATION AND INTERPRETATION OF PLANS, STANDARD                          SPECIFICATIONS, AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS: 

Project plans shall govern over Standard Plans; Standard Plans and project plans shall govern over these Standard Specifications; and the special provisions shall govern over both these Standard Specifications and the plans.
• SEE ADDENDUM No. 2.

We request a 2 week postponement of the bid for the following reasons:

The cross sections have just become available a few days ago ( 2.5 weeks late)
The conflict with 15/56 just bid yesterday has delayed most of us from getting started on this project.
The cross sections are unusually large (462 sheets).
The staging is complex also ( 100 sheets ).
We needed every bit of the original time frame, let alone a reduced one.

• SEE ADDENDUM No. 1. 

Please provide design height for retaining Wall No. 8. The first 22.4 Meters of wall does not show Design Ht.

• 2.4 M.

It appears that Caltrans used the Standard Drawing to calculate the pay qty for the Retaining Wall for Sound Wall 3 instead of the using the Sound Wall Details. Is that correct?

• The pay quantities for are not correct, the actual quantities can be calculated using the table provided on SW-19 SOUND WALL DETAILS (406 of 581) and since the items are final pay the payment is for the quantity given in the Engineer's Estimate in accordance with Section 9-1.015 FINAL PAY ITEMS of the Standard Specifications.

There is no quantity in the Engineer's Estimate for Cobblestone Texture.  There are two walls shown on the plans, and a quantity in the plans for Cobblestone Texture totaling 2,207 M2 (Wall SW-3, and Wall 80).  Additionally, there is no quantity for Painting or anti-graffiti coating on the textured walls shown on the structure plans.  (Pomerado "L"-wall, Carrol Cyn "L"-walls or Wall 80).  Shouldn't these walls match the adjacent walls shown in the road plans which are painted and coated?

• Yes. There are walls that did not include those items and since no further addenda will be issued any additional areas will be added in accordance with Section 4-1.03 of the Standard Specifications.
• There is no quantity for Cobblestone Texture because the item is called "Architectural Treatment (cobble texture)" as shown on the Plans and Engineers Estimate.  There is no anti-graffiti coating specified on the structures plans.

 

Please provide dimensions for the bridge widening. There is no way complete an accurate take off with the dimensions Caltrans has furnished at this time. Please provide us with the widths at the ends.

• The dimensions at the ends of the bridge can be calculated with information given on the Plans.

Several staging issues have surfaced in doing the take-off. Please clarify.

A) Sheet L-12 section TYPE 11 is shown as 7.2 m wide, the shoulder section is shown as TYPE 2 but is never staged. (sta. 255+34 to 256+00).
B) Sheet L-8 MM1A is not staged for work from 242+90 to 243+50.
C) Sheet L-8 M7 work from 244+93 to 242+91 is not staged in 4A as a work zone.
D) Sheet L-17 R15A gore not staged for TYPE 2 section from 270+48 to 272+00.

• The intent is to perform the work in the areas mentioned above during normal ramp / lane closures without the need for k-rail. 

Numerous locations throughout the staging plans require "pinning" of the K-rail. The start and stop locations need to be clarified on the following sheets:
1. SC-8 and SC-9 (where between BB and AA?).
2. SC-54 and SC-55 (where between AA on 54 and AA on 55?)
3. SC-60 - SC-62 (where between AA on 60 and AA on 61 and BB on 62?)

• The term (PINNED) as shown on sheets listed does not apply, temporary railing shall be installed in accordance with Section 10-1.21 TEMPORARY RAILING of the Special Provisions. 

The footing for Retaining Wall 12 is under the existing bike path running along the side of the wall. Will the bike path be closed during constructing this wall? 

• No. The bike path shall remain open to the reduced width as shown on SC-10 and SC-11 STAGE CONSTRUCTION (STAGE 1A) (190,191 of 581). During any work that may impact the bike path it will be required to provided flagging.
• SEE INQUIRY NO. 17.

• The replacement of the existing bike path that will be removed for construction shall be replaced with section 6 similar to the widened portion as shown on X-10 TYPICAL CROSS SECTIONS (11 of 581). The work shall be paid for as increase in item for the various items of work required in accordance with Section 4-1.03 of the Standard Specifications.

IS THERE A CRIB WALL 1?  WHERE ARE THE DETAILS?  WHAT ITEM IS PAID UNDER?

• Ignore the note, there is no crib wall in this project.

Can the bike path be closed during construction of RW 12? 

• No the bike path shall remain open during construction as stated in INQUIRY NO. 15 above. 

• Besides shoring and temporary fencing on top the k-rail, it will be required to provide flagging and any other safety precautions necessary to protect the bicyclists. 

Earthwork Summaries shows quantities for Loop Ramps. No cross sections were provided for these Ramps. As this is a very large portion of the embankment will cross sections be made available?

• See the CROSS SECTION INDEX sheets per Note 2.   XS-0

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

XS-1XS-2XS-3XS-4XS-5XS-6XS-7XS-8XS-9XS-10

XS-11 XS-12 XS-13 XS-14XS-15 XS-16XS-17 XS-18XS-19 XS-20

The note on sheet 555 and 563 requires that the gutter be constructed flush with the existing slope paving which is shown to remain in place, due to the elevation of the existing structures shoring is not a feasible method. Please clarify.

• Bid it as you see it.

ROW relative to SW3 horizontally is not consistent between the cross sections & the plan sheets. Plans indicate need for shoring along total length, cross sections show isolated areas need shoring. Which is correct?

• The plan sheets prevail over the cross sections in accordance with Section 5-1.04 COORDINATION AND INTERPRETATION OF PLANS, STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS , AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS.

Can we assume that when you break a Stage done into two or three phases that any work not shown in one of the phases can be done can be done any time during the particular stage we are in?

• Yes. 

Where will the structural excavation and backfill be paid for Retaining Wall 1, 4, and 7; and Soundwall 80?

• There is no Retaining Wall 1, 4 or 7.
• The structure excavation and backfill for Retaining Wall No. 1 (sheet 555 of 581) , No. 4 (sheet 563 of 581), No. 7 (sheet 563 of 581) and No. 80 (sheet 570 of 581) is paid for by Item 52: STRUCTURE EXCAVATION (RETAINING WALL) and Item 54: STRUCTURE BACKFILL (RETAINING WALL). 

Where can the referee sample be viewed?

• Per Addendum No. 2 the referee sample is at our office, but that referee sample will not be used. The architectural texture shall match the existing wall location on the bike path along Route 56 west of Black Mountain Road. 

Can a combination of the various stages be constructed concurrently, or are these stages mandatory? I have not found anything in the plans or specifications which prohibits us from combining stages.

• Per Section 10-1.01 ORDER OF WORK in the Special Provisions it states in paragraph 15:

The work shall be performed in conformance with the stages of construction shown on the plans.  Nonconflicting work in subsequent stages may proceed concurrently with work in preceding stages, provided satisfactory progress is maintained in the preceding stages of construction.

Addendum 2 states that Escrow Bid Documents are due the day after Christmas. Most offices will be closed that day, in fact most offices will be closed during the Holidays till after New Years. It will be impossible to get escrow bid documents from most of the subcontractors. Can Caltrans change this deadline to a more feudalistic one after the Holidays??

• The requirement to escrow on 12/26/02 cannot be modified from the week after bid opening, therefore the only way to change this is to postpone the bid opening. 

Please provide details for Item 95 Sound Wall (Barrier).

• See Retaining Wall No. 80 on plan sheets 570 through 581.

The utility plan indicates that a waterline exists under the bike path adjacent to walls 11 and 12.  What is the depth and is it live?

• The existing reclaimed water line (600 mm DIP) is live and shall be protected in place in accordance with Section 15 of the Standard Specifications.  The depth is approximately 1.4 M or less. 

We cannot find any other reference to this statement.  What are we to include in our bid relative to a fire plan?  Other projects with this language have been very specific as to what you want the contractor to provide.

• A FIRE PLAN is not required.

What is the grading limit for 12.5 mm maximum combined aggregate grading.

• For grading limits of 12.5mm max., see amended Section 90-3 in the Special Provisions.

The typical sections and the plans indicate other various depths of cold planing, (45mm, 60mm, 105mm, 135mm).  How are these to be paid?

• Structural sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 are quantified in Item No. 39 therefore any depth greater than 60 mm will be adjusted in accordance with Section 4-1.03 of the Standard Specifications.

Specifications call for cement uniformity reports ASTM C917. Considering the probable use of Type III cement, our cement manufacturer claims Type III cement is not used extensively enough to develop sufficient data shipping. Can similar data used during cement production be provided in lieu of C917?

• It shall be acceptable to provide C150 data in lieu of C917 since the ultimate (performance) is to get strength before opening. 

Specifications call for maximum contraction of .053 for cement contraction in air per Caltrans Test Method 527. Type III cement, if required, will not meet this requirement. Section 90 allows a maximum contraction of .075 for Type III cement. Will Section 90 be permitted for this requirement ?

• Yes,  .075 expansion is acceptable. 

Weigh systems: There is great concern with the cement tolerance of +/- .5%. This tolerance is too strict and not realistic. Section 90 allows a tolerance of 1% for cement. Can this be used?

• No, we are aware that the tolerance for Rapid Strength Concrete cement is tighter than for other cements in Section 90. This is because of the volatile nature of this ingredient.

The specification requires individual weight systems for cement and mineral admixture (flyash). Our weight system is a single unit for both cement and flyash as allowed per Section 109 and Section 90. This cannot be changed for this or any project.

• We want distinct, individual weighing for more accuracy and control in proportioning the RSC cement and mineral admixture (flyash). 

With a penalty for late reopening of lane closures at $ 7,500 for each 10-minute delay or portion thereof, we have extreme concern for being held responsible for mis-handling or improper curing of test specimens on site. 

• Contractor's attention is directed to Section's 6-3.01, 6-3.02 and 9-1.04 of the Standard Specifications; and Section's 5-1.05, and 5-1.12 of the Special Provisions. 

Special Provisions do not specify curing requirements for the slab or the beams. This is critical for proper hydration and optimum early strength gain particularly in cooler temperatures. What are the curing requirements?

• Contractor's attention is directed to Section 10-1.40, subsection titled 'RAPID STRENGTH CONCRETE-Curing Method'. 

Special provisions list no minimum temperature limit for paving operations. Similar fast pave operations have been delayed during cooler months with mean low ambient temperature below 50 degrees F. Can this be applied for Rapid Strength Concrete?

• Contractor's attention is directed to Section 90-8.03 of the Standard Specifications and Section 10-1.40, subsection titled 'RAPID STRENGTH CONCRETE-General'.

WHERE IS THE CIDH PILE UNDER SOUNDWALL PAID?

• The note shown on sheet SW-12 incorrectly shows a pay limit, but since the Special Provisions prevail over the plan sheets the CIDH piling for "SW1" is included in Item 96: SOUND WALL (MASONRY BLOCK) in accordance with Section 10-1.45 SOUND WALL of the Special Provisions. 

• In accordance with Section 10-1.45 SOUND WALL of the Special Provisions it is included in Item 96.

There is no way that any General Contractor can be sure of receiving escrow bid documents from every sub listed by your current deadline. You cannot expect general contractors to spend this kind of effort in bidding a project of this magnitude and have their bid rejected because a subcontractor decided to close his office for Christmas. We suggest a postponement or relax the requirements for the deadline on subcontractors escrow bid documents. 

• The subcontractor information can be provided no later than 10:00 AM on Wednesday 01/08/03 and arrangements can be made with our office (619) 688-6635 to escrow the primes bid documentation any time after bid opening but no later than 11:00 AM on 12/26/02. 

Please clarify temporary fence on top of K-Rail, which K-Rail are you referring to?  With having to keep the bike path open, we don't feel there is enough room for another 2.5' adjacent to the bike path.  Wouldn't temp. fence alone be sufficient?

• No, the temporary fence shall be placed on top of the k-rail as shown on sheet SC-10. since there is not enough room adjacent therefore a contract change order for the costs of the fence shall be issued in accordance with Section 4-1.03 of the Standard Specifications. 

Which portion of the textured paving is to receive grout at tooled grooves?

Is the reinforcement welded wire mesh or rebar tied in a grid?

Does the application of curing compound apply to exposed aggregate finish?

Verify that all textured paving is to receive a tooled grove pattern at 1200mm X 1200mm perpendicular and parallel to the center line.

After considerable thought and discussion, we are of the opinion that the operation as specified is impossible anyway. When you consider the short 7-hour time window, the "non-impacting" removal method specified, and the 285mm of ACB required to be placed, compacted and cooled before the rapid setting concrete can be placed, and the penalty for 21-day cracks, it is very daunting. I can't even determine with any confidence what the criterion is for opening to traffic! 
Can you clarify that issue?

• The area in question is new and does not full under the freeway closure chart therefore the work can be done using the weekend ramp closure charts.

• No.

• Yes. 

• Per Section 5-1.04 PUBLIC SAFETY of the Special provisions it is allowable for pavement widening and reconstruction. 

 

I find no traffic charts for erection and lowering of falsework on Mira Mesa Rd. It is important to know how long we can close Mira Mesa as well as what we have to do to detour traffic in order to bid the falsework erection and removal as well as traffic control. Without a chart and hours of closure it is impossible know what length of time to bid this work for.

• A contract change order shall be issued to provide a closure chart for th erection and removal of falsework.

According to our suppliers the sign structure qty's on the plans are approx. half the actual qty's? Can you clarify this?

• Bid Items 101 through 106 are FINAL PAY ITEMS therefore prices should be based on the information shown on the plans and specifications, no further compensation is due in accordance with Section 9-1.015 FINAL PAY of the Standard Soecifications.