ConDig (24-Aug–23)  Civil contractor and construction materials producer Granite Construction has pulled away with a $72 million contract to build auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder facilities on Highway 1 in Capitola, California.

Under the deal with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Watsonville, California-based company will build various critical components, including concrete retaining walls, noise reduction measures, storm drains, a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and reconstruct a 165 ft long vehicle bridge adding bicycle and pedestrian features. 

The project is adjacent to Granite’s previously awarded Highway 1 auxiliary lane and bus-on-shoulder project between 41st Avenue and Soquel.

The scheme is planned to kick off in September this year and is expected to be completed in the third quarter 2025.

Granite said it will recycle about 12,000 tons of existing asphalt and concrete into recycled aggregates and utilize approximately 88,000 tons of subbase & base from its local aggregate and recycled aggregate plants. 

“Our team is thrilled to embark on these transformative projects to enhance the vital infrastructure along the Hwy 1 Corridor in Santa Cruz County, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists alike,” said vice president of regional operations, Brent Fogg. 

“Our core values of excellence and safety will guide us to ensure minimal disruption to local traffic during construction. We eagerly anticipate the completion of these projects and the enhanced mobility they will provide our local community.”

In May, Granite secured a $29 million contract to widen a section of Highway 1 in Santa Cruz, California.

Earlier in May, Granite Construction secured a $65 million pre-construction contract to upgrade the Parks Highway in Alaska.

In April, Granite secured a $126 million contract for the construction of buildings and infrastructure that will support the relocation of U.S. Marines to Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam.