O.C. Jones Completes Part of Caltrans’ Konocti Corridor
By Irwin Rapoport
O.C. Jones & Sons delivered this summer Segment 2C of the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) Konocti Corridor Project — the $85 million first phase that widens a 3-mi. segment of State Route 29 from one lane in each direction to a four-lane highway.
Planning is now ongoing for the second and third phases of the project along an 8-mi. section of SR 29 between Lower Lake and Kelseyville in Lake County to improve safety for motorists. The combined cost of the remaining two segments is approximately $200 million.
This project is a cooperative effort among Caltrans, the Lake County Area Planning Council (LAPC) and the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which provided the initial construction funding. The partners are working to secure funding to complete the project.
“While we are grateful for the completion of the first phase of the Konocti Corridor safety project, we are still not done,” said Jaime Matteoli, Caltrans corridor manager. Segments 2A (3 mi.) and 2B (3 mi.) are east of 2C.
Segment 2B is in the design and right-of-way phases.
“The department is currently seeking funding for construction on Segment 2B,” said Manny Machado, a Caltrans spokesperson. “Segment 2A is only funded through the design phase. In the event Segment 2B is successful in obtaining construction funding, construction is targeted to begin in 2028.”
Lake APC Executive Director Lisa Davey-Bates, who has worked on the project for 23 years, stressed the importance of the partnerships that enabled the project to become a reality.
“From the start, it’s been a long, but rewarding process," she said. “Since 1988, there has been a team of experts working together on this project to provide a safer and more efficient roadway network for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Lake County.”
“Completing the first phase of the Konocti Corridor Project advances the long-term vision for a brighter future for Lake County and all Californians,” said Matt Brady, Caltrans District 1 director.
see KONOCTI page 6
Multiple pieces of equipment were involved with the paving process.
Yosemite Breaks Ground On Wastewater Treatment Plant
Yosemite National Park broke ground on July 24, 2025, on the new El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, a $239 million investment funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund.
The 45-year-old treatment plant is the National Park Service’s (NPS) largest such facility and serves as the sole wastewater treatment system for Yosemite Valley, El Portal and nearby communities. It supports more than 4 million annual visitors, 700 residents and hundreds of park and partner
employees.
The project aligns with recent executive and secretary’s orders to invest in the infrastructure of national parks and improve services to ensure national parks remain open and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.
“This project is essential to the continued protection of public health and the environment, and also to the future of visitor services and park operations in Yosemite,” said Ray McPadden acting superintendent. “Upgrading this facility allows us to better safeguard the
Wild and Scenic Merced River, serve our community and guests, support park concession operations and ensure the park remains resilient for the next 50 years.”
The modernized plant will treat up to 1 million gal. of wastewater per day, incorporating advanced treatment technologies, improved system redundancy and upgraded automation controls.
In addition to the core plant upgrades, the project includes the demolition of outdated structures and the rehabilitation of the former El Portal administrative camp to house construction crews in RV sites, minimizing housing costs and environmental impact during the project.
The outdated system is deteriorating and provides insufficient treatment capacity. Replacement components are difficult to procure or no longer manufactured due to the age of the existing plant increasing the likelihood of environmental damage and incurring costly emergency repairs.
Once completed, the new plant will not only meet today’s regulatory and environmental standards but also enhance operational reliability and reduce future maintenance costs.
The project, scheduled for completion in
2029, is expected to address approximately $156 million in deferred maintenance and repair needs across the wastewater system infrastructure.
Construction is being carried out through a design-bid-build strategy under the direction of the NPS Denver Service Center, in coordination with the Pacific West Region and Yosemite National Park staff.
(All photos courtesy of the National Park Service.)
Skanska Completes $137M State Route 71/91 Interchange
Global construction and development firm Skanska announced the substantial completion of the State Route 71/91 Interchange Improvement Project in Southern California.
Skanska was awarded the $137 million project by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) to reconstruct the SR 71/91 interchange, one of the most congested corridors in Southern California.
“The completion of this project delivers a new direct connector from eastbound SR-91 to SR-71, significantly improving traffic flow at one of the region’s busiest highway interchanges,” said James Bailey, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations. “The success of the project was driven by our commitment to safety while working in
challenging conditions adjacent to active freeways. Thanks to the skilled project team and close coordination with RCTC and Caltrans, we were able to overcome numerous challenges and deliver effective solutions.”
The construction of the project included:
• completion of a new direct connector ramp to improve access to the State Route 71/91 Interchange and align the entrance ramp from Green River Road;
• replacement of a singlelane connector between eastbound 91 and northbound 71 with a twolane ramp and the addition of an eastbound 91 auxiliary lane;
• installation of cast-indrilled hole concrete piles — up to 120 ft. long and 13 ft. in diameter; and
• environmental considera-
tions, including the protection of bobcat, coyote, fairy shrimp, nesting birds, bat and rattlesnake habitats.
Construction on the project began in March 2023, and the team reached substantial completion in June 2025.
(All photos courtesy of Skanska.)
tially complete.
The State Route 71/91 Interchange Improvement Project is substan-
An earlier phase of construction
The existing El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The July 24, 2025, groundbreaking ceremony for the El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Arevon Starts On 300 MW/1,200 MWh Energy Storage Project
Arevon Energy, Inc., an American energy developer, owner and operator, commemorated construction proceedings at a milestone celebration event for its Nighthawk Energy Storage Project in Poway, Calif.
The 300 megawatt (MW)/1,200 megawatt-hour project will be able to power up to 385,000 homes during the peak electricity demand periods for four hours each day.
Arevon developed and will own and operate the $600 mil-
lion Nighthawk Energy Storage Project. Over the life of the project, Nighthawk is expected to disburse more than $30 million in local government payments to the county and surrounding area, which can support infrastructure improvements, schools and public services. The city of Poway will receive an estimated $12 million of this total.
California-headquartered Rosendin is building the project on behalf of Arevon, which is anticipated to employ more
than 130 workers during the height of construction and will result in an increase in economic activity in the area, especially at local stores, restaurants and hotels.
In 2021, Arevon signed a long-term contract under which Nighthawk will provide energy and resource adequacy to Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E). The project will connect to the grid at the Sycamore Canyon Substation located on the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, which distributes energy to the greater San Diego area.
Utility-scale battery systems allow electricity to be stored during low demand periods and then efficiently discharged onto the grid — responding quickly at high demand and vital periods, with projects strategically located on the transmission system to reduce the risk of brownouts and blackouts. Nighthawk Energy Storage will feature modern lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are the safest technology on the market.
“What sets the Nighthawk Energy Storage Project apart is Arevon’s years of experience and proven track record in successfully developing safe, reliable renewable energy and battery storage projects in California and throughout the United States as well as the project’s design, which includes added safety measures and will comprise the safest and most advanced batteries on the market today,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Arevon. “In addition, Arevon has partnered with the Poway Fire Department, who is committed to protecting the community, first responders and the facility in the unlikely event an incident occurs.”
In California, Arevon has more than 3.2 gigawatts in operation and 800 MW under construction. The Scottdale, Ariz.based company owns and operates more than 4.7 gigawatts of solar and energy storage projects across 17 states, representing more than $9.6 billion in capital investment, and is constructing an additional 1.5 GW of new capacity. For details, visit arevonenergy.com.
California Invests $3B to Enhance Safety, Improve Travel Times
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) on Aug. 18, 2025, approved $3 billion in allocations to enhance safety and mobility across the state highway system and expand multimodal travel, including bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.
Guided by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster — For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and increase access to active transportation options.
Of the $3 billion allocated this month, $663 million derives from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and approximately $2 billion comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA).
The funds will serve as a catalyst to increase the capacity of the state’s transportation system, rehabilitate aging roadways and improve travel times, while balancing community impacts and promoting environmental benefits.
“Today’s investments reflect California’s long-term commitment to safer roads, smarter traffic management and expanded transportation choices that get people where they need to go,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans director.
Among the larger projects approved by the commission:
• $129 million to SANDAG for Otay Mesa East Port of Entry construction. Work will include fine grading (including imported borrow); installation of a site perimeter security fence; installation of wet and dry utilities pipe/conduits; and procurement of long lead items, such as border fence, highmast site lighting and inspection booths.
• $95 million in San Diego County in various cities to improve segments of Interstate 5 and State Routes 54, 94 and 125. Work will replace and rehabilitate culverts; rehabilitate pavement; upgrade guardrail; replace signs; upgrade curb ramps; install and replace Transportation Management System (TMS) elements and lights; install fiber optic cable; replace plantings and irrigation; replace
median barrier; and construct complete streets elements.
• $102 million to improve segments of Interstate 5 (the Grapevine) in Kern County. Work includes pavement repair; upgraded drainage and lighting; installation of CCTV cameras; vehicle detection systems; and changeable message signs to improve traffic monitoring and incident response.
• $69.8 million toward seismic retrofit and partial bridge replacement of the Eel River Bridge No. 04-0016R on U.S. 101 in Rio Dell, Humboldt County.
• $60 million toward the construction of retaining walls along with roadway, guardrail, drainage and other improvements at two locations on Route 197 from Kaspar/Keene Road to Ruby Van Deventer County Park and on U.S.199 at various locations.
• $49.7 million for constructing a downhill viaduct structure on State Route 168 near Shaver Lake from 0.7 mi. west to 0.3 mi. west of Huntington Lake Road.
• $42.9 million for a pavement rehabilita-
tion project along State Route 4 in Alpine County from the Calaveras County line to State Route 89 to upgrade paving, guardrails and bridge railings; construct rumble strips; repair drainage systems; implement rock slope protection; and enhance highway worker safety.
IIJA is an investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. The total funding for California is nearly $54 billion. This includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports, waterways and the electric vehicle charging network.
SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since its adoption. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly, based on the availability of funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.
For details, visit build.ca.gov.
Arevon photo
The Nighthawk Energy Storage Project in California
Padilla, Schiff Announce $158.4M to Bolster Calif. Airports
California U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff announced on Aug. 21, 2025, that 72 California airports were awarded a combined $158.4 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bolster aviation infrastructure.
The funding comes primarily through two FAA programs: the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program (AIG) program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
Both programs fund airport upgrades for runways and taxiways. AIG also funds projects related to safety and sustainability, airport transit connections, and roadways, while AIP also invests in infrastructure projects for noise cancellation and airport signage, lighting and markings.
“Millions of Californians and visitors depend on safe, modernized airport travel to get where they need to go,” Padilla said. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, airports across California will receive millions in targeted investments to renovate aging airport infrastructure and keep passengers moving smoothly.”
“This federal funding brings vital investments to California’s airports, allowing communities large and small to improve safety, enhance commercial capacity for California businesses and create more jobs across the Golden State,” Schiff said. “I look forward to seeing the upgrades these grants support, as well as continuing to work with
Senator Padilla and our entire delegation.”
Airports receiving funding include:
Long Beach (Daugherty Field) Airport
— $24.32 million: This project expands the existing terminal by 6,000 sq. ft., including two exterior holding areas. This expansion will facilitate the movement of passengers and baggage to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This project reconstructs the existing terminal by replacing 11 gate hold areas, restrooms, a service animal relief area and a back-up generator.
Palm Springs International Airport
$21.55 million: This project reconstructs the existing terminal by installing a new baggage handling system to improve the movement of passengers and baggage. This grant funds a portion of phase 1, which consists of site enabling work, building expansion and proposed electrical work.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport — $20.76 million: The project expands the existing terminal by 112,678 sq. ft., including airline ticketing, a concourse with boarding bridges, a passenger security screening checkpoint, a federal inspection station and a new in-line checked baggage inspection system. This expansion will facilitate the enhanced movement of passengers and baggage to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport — $20.01 million: This project acquires and installs new transportation islands, shelters, pedestrian paths and
connecting roadways in Terminal A to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.
Chowchilla Airport — $6.64 million: The first project reconstructs 3,250 ft. of existing paved Runway 12/30 that has reached the end of its useful life. A second project reconstructs 3,250 ft. of existing paved Runway 12/30 to maintain the structural integrity to extend its useful life.
Oakland International Airport — $6.00 million: This project rehabilitates 5,412 ft. of existing paved Runway 10R/28L to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
Runway 4R/22L to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
Santa Maria Public/Capt. G Allan Hancock Field Airport — $3.85 million: This project rehabilitates 8,000 ft. of exist-
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport — $5.89 million: The first project rehabilitates 6,101 ft. of existing paved Taxiway A to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
International Airport will receive $6 million in federal funds to rehabilitate 5,412 ft. of existing paved Runway 10R/28L to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
ing paved Runway 12/30 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris to extend its useful life.
Sacramento Mather Airport — $5.82 million: This grant funds phase 2, which consists of rehabilitating 3,280 ft. This project rehabilitates 11,300 ft. of existing paved
Oxnard Airport — $3.52 million: This project reconstructs 6,307 ft. of the existing paved Taxiway F pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
Calif. Invests $26M to Recruit More Women Into Construction
To address statewide construction needs and build equity in the workforce, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announced on Aug. 11, 2025, that 25 construction apprenticeship programs were awarded $26 million in Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants. This funding aims to increase access to construction careers for women and disadvantaged communities.
“With this funding, we are addressing barriers that women face when trying to enter into construction careers. It has been empowering to see the ERiCA grants at work and watch apprentices successfully land jobs in the skilled trades and earn family-sustaining wages,” said Adele Burns,
DAS chief.
This new funding will support three core areas identified as needed to hire and retain a diverse workforce in the building trades:
• $11.8 million will go toward offsetting the cost of child care for pre-apprentices and apprentices.
Flexible child care funding was identified as one of the primary barriers that women apprentices face in the construction industry. They often need to start working on a job site before many day cares open.
• $7.2 million to support targeted recruitment efforts to improve gender representation and advance equity.
• $7 million to improve worksite culture by providing mentoring and mental health support. This supports anti-harassment and antidiscrimination training for construction crews to create a more welcoming environment for all.
This is the second round of
ERiCA grant funding. During the first round, $25 million in funds were disbursed to 19 programs.
In this round, 25 building trades organizations that work with programs to recruit, support and retain workers are receiving funding. Awardee highlights include:
• The Associated General Contractors of California’s Construction Education Foundation received $2.5 million for recruitment, child care and promoting workplace culture.
• Cerritos College received $1.25 million in ERiCA funding to support its field ironwork apprenticeship program, where women are learning how to reinforce concrete with steel and cables.
• Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund received $2.5 million for child care, recruitment and worksite
culture. This nationally recognized program provides the skills and training needed to launch successful careers in a range of essential trades, including painting, plumbing and sheet metal works.
• San Diego Electrical Training Trust received $700,000 in funding. Through this program, apprentices are obtaining handson experience in sustainable construction projects and learning about electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as solar system design and installation.
• Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California received $550,000 in funding. Over the next two years, the organization is striving to double the number of women enrolled in its programs through outreach efforts and strategic partnerships with flagship groups such as the National Association of Women in
Construction.
• The Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI) is a program that has demonstrated success and was awarded $2.4 million. Apprentices who graduate from CTWI typically earn starting wages of $75,000 or more per year. The state plans to invest $180 billion in infrastructure over the next decade. Workforce development and apprenticeships are central to California’s plan to meet infrastructure needs and largescale development projects. Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to serve 500,000 apprentices by 2029. Expanding access to equitable building trades apprenticeships is outlined as a key strategy to advance apprenticeships in California, which is outlined by DAS and the Labor Workforce Development Agency’s FivePoint Action Plan.
Oakland International Airport photo Oakland
Planning Ongoing for Next Phases of Corridor Project
The corridor serves the communities of Lakeport, Kelseyville, Lower Lake and Middletown, as well as auto and commercial truck traffic traveling between U.S. 101 and Interstate 5.
“With anticipated traffic growth, by expanding the section of highway to four lanes with controlled access, capacity will be increased, and highway safety will be significantly improved,” Machado said. “In addition, the new expressway will assist in achieving the long-range plan to divert traffic from communities on the northern end of Clearlake, where
pedestrian and non-motorized traffic safety have been an ongoing concern."
The traffic management plan was based on lane closures and detours.
O.C. Jones was awarded a construction contract in November 2019 to create the four-lane expressway (two lanes in each direction), with 10-ft.-wide shoulders outside and 5-ft.-wide shoulders next to the inside lanes. There also are acceleration and deceleration lanes and new intersections that connect to new frontage roads that replace driveways connected to the highway. Sections of the existing road, some of which have medians, were realigned.
This was a primarily day-shift operation.
Clearing and scrubbing operations, which took several weeks, removed trees and shrubs.
Excavation and site prep operations took place on both sides of the existing lanes simultaneously. Equipment operators at many locations had ample space to maneuver their vehicles and place materials required for the subbase and base for the new lanes and shoulders.
Excavators removed dirt and rock, which included larger boulders. In several places, excavated material was used as fill to build up sections for the exterior lanes between 8 and 5 ft., which were then compacted.
This work involved large excavators, dozers and a John Deere mini excavator that pushed rock fill into 5-ft. wide trenches dug by an excavator with a bucket that was accompanied by various-sized loaders.
With traffic using the existing lanes, the paving crews placed asphalt topping for the new lanes simultaneously.
The paving was based on completing defined sections. Loaders and other trucks drove along an existing lane, with asphalt placed on the adjacent lane by a Weiler remixing transfer vehicle.
A few hours later, asphalt would be placed for the second new lane. The work was reliant on a screed guided by a crew member who was approximately 20 ft. ahead of the machine.
Crews also installed underground infrastructure and drainage infrastructure. CEG
(All photos courtesy of Caltrans.)
Jacobs Wins Management Contract at Port of Long Beach Pier B
Jacobs announced on Aug. 7, 2025, that it was awarded a contract to provide construction management for the Port of Long Beach's Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility program.
This project is a cornerstone of the port's $2.2 billion program to enhance cargo movement efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support regional economic development.
The Pier B rail program will transform the existing rail yard, doubling its size from 82 to 171 acres. The project will more than triple the port’s on-dock rail capacity, enabling it to handle up to 4.7 million 20-ft. shipping containers annually. The expansion is expected to significantly reduce truck traffic, lower emissions and improve air quality in the surrounding areas.
“As one of the busiest ports in the United States and a major entry point for goods, the Port of Long Beach plays a significant role in international trade and the economy,” said Evan Wood, Jacobs executive vice president. “Jacobs’ experience in managing large-scale infrastructure projects will deliver enhancements at the port that will expedite cargo movement, reduce shipping costs and contribute to a more resilient supply chain.”
Expected to be complete in 2032, the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility also is set to provide substantial community benefits, including creating more than 1,000 local jobs and contributing to local health and environmental initiatives. By enhancing on-dock rail capacity, the project will help the port further its efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of cargo movement.
“The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility embodies the core values of the Port of Long Beach, allowing more cargo to move through our marine terminals with greater efficiency and less impacts on the community,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “It is also an enormous undertaking with 10 construction contracts to manage. Jacobs has demonstrated its qualifications to help us accommodate this peak workflow, and we’re pleased to work with the company to build this new gateway for the nation’s container cargo.”
Jacob previously has worked on several major infrastructure California efforts, including the Port of San Francisco Waterfront Resilience Program and multiple projects at the Port of Long Beach. For details, visit jacobs.com.
A John Deere 744L wheel loader grabs a pile of dirt.
Jacobs photo The Port of Long Beach
Dirt flies as crews prepare the ground for highway expansion.
KONOCTI from page 1
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