In May 2024, Verdantas Inc. (formerly Leighton) and Kimley-Horn were contracted by Lewis Management Corporation (as part of New Model Colony Builders) and the City of Ontario to provide geotechnical engineering and bridge design services for the Ontario Ranch Road Bridge over Cucamonga Creek Flood Control Channel in Ontario, CA. The primary goal of this project was to increase the capacity and flow of city traffic along Ontario Ranch Road.

The project involved constructing a new single-span bridge featuring nine 160-foot-long precast concrete girders supported by cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles at each abutment. The innovative use of a clear span structure allowed the project team to eliminate construction risks and reduce the impact on existing infrastructure. During construction, the existing two-lane bridge remained operational, ensuring minimal disruption to traffic flow. 

Verdantas conducted a design-phase geotechnical investigation, which included two Cone Penetration Test (CPT) soundings and eight hollow-stem auger borings. These investigations led to recommendations for shallow and deep foundations and embankment settlements for design and construction. Verdantas also provided QA geotechnical observation and testing, materials testing, plant inspection, and off-site source inspection services.

One of the significant challenges faced during this project was the inherited design of a traditional 3-span bridge. To address this, our team, which included Kimley-Horn, proposed a groundbreaking solution: realigning the proposed road improvements 9 feet to the south and utilizing a single-span structure. This innovative approach minimized impacts on the channel and significantly reduced review time by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, the use of 160-foot-long girders, the maximum length allowed to be trucked to the site due to weight limitations, required extensive planning and coordination. 

Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project. The clear span structure significantly reduced construction waste and minimized impacts on existing facilities. During design, Verdantas identified the potential for embankment settlement and expedited the settlement process during construction by surcharging the bridge embankments with stacked steel traffic plates, reducing trucking and optimizing resource use.

The Ontario Ranch Road Bridge project exemplifies Verdantas' commitment to sustainable and efficient engineering practices. Through innovative solutions and meticulous planning, our team successfully increased traffic capacity while minimizing environmental impact and construction risks.