CAC meeting discussed landscaping and the Sunset Bl bridge demolition

The fourth Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, held February 25 at the project office, focused on the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project’s landscaping plan and answering questions about the effects on the upcoming demolition of the Sunset Bl overcrossing.

Attended by approximately 20 CAC members, the advisory committee received a five-week look ahead for construction in the mainline and three segments of the project: Wilshire, Sunset and Mulholland.

Lynn Capouya, who heads the landscape plan design team, explained the changes made to the plan as a result of previous CAC input.

Lynn Capouya, who heads the landscape plan design team, explained the changes made to the plan as a result of previous CAC input. She also explained the local, state and federal jurisdictions that shape the choice of trees along the project route. The scarce water supply in the Sepulveda Pass also limits the type and size of tree that can be planted.

Maps showing the location of landscape plantings were distributed. Capouya estimated that the landscape plan is approximately 90 percent complete.

Brett Barnett, Mark Van Gessel and Mason Situ, segment managers for the Wilshire, Sunset and Mulholland segments respectively, answered questions on upcoming construction work.

The chief concern voiced by the CAC members was the level of mobility for residents and commuters during the demolition and rebuilding of the Sunset Bl, Skirball Center Dr and Mulholland Dr overcrossings. The demolition of the Sunset Bl overcrossing is scheduled for late March and expected to last 16 months. Situ estimated that the demolition of the Mulholland Dr bridge would begin in October.

Van Gessel and Project Director Mike Barbour explained that the Sunset Bl overcrossing will be demolished in phases, limiting the effects of the closure. Two lanes will be available in each direction at all times, Van Gessel explained, except when the overcrossing and the adjoining highway must be closed for safety reasons. Barbour explained that this full closure would require only night closures.

In addition, Van Gessel reminded CAC members that the Wilshire Bl and Sunset Bl on- and off-ramps will not be closed at the same time.

The presentation to the CAC is available here.

Initially formed as a mechanism to finalize design of the project’s aesthetic elements, the CAC’s role has evolved into representing community groups bordering the project. As liaisons, they will funnel queries from individuals in their area to the project team.

The CAC is composed of one representative from each home owner’s association, Neighborhood Council and major institution adjacent to the I-405. Contact information for CAC members can be found here.

Dan Kulka, Kiewit's Public Relations Manager, and Andrew D'Alfonso, head of the
preconstruction survey team, explain the importance for selected residents to
participate in the survey process.

Ned Racine