Contractor earns $2.9 million bonus for early finish

Photo Courtesy of Caltrans

The Golden State Freeway bypass tunnel destroyed in an Oct. 12 fiery crash was reopened on Thursday, 15 days ahead of schedule.

Trucks began rolling through the newly-reinforced tunnel in the afternoon after contractors worked through the night to complete repairs and ready the tunnel for traffic.

The emergency repair included slab replacement, concrete barrier and metal beam guardrail repair, drainage and landscaping. Structural work included partial ceiling repair and replacement as well as installing new rebar support in abutment walls. The early finish earned contractor Security Paving of Oxnard a $2.9 million bonus.

Three people died in the crash, which involved 34 vehicles, according to CHP officials, who recently completed the painstaking job of accounting for all vehicles and drivers. The cause of the accident is still being investigated, although rain, road conditions and drivers’ speed are considered to be contributing factors.

Photo Courtesy of Caltrans

Photo Courtesy of Caltrans

Photo Courtesy of Caltrans

Photo Courtesy of Caltrans