CWE assisted the City of Irvine with the widening of University Drive between the Campus Drive and MacArthur Boulevard on-ramps to SR-73.  University Drive is a major east-west roadway that links I-405 in Irvine to Jamboree Road in Newport Beach.  It connects to the nearby university, a research park, and several significant business complexes.

The road segment was widened to accommodate traffic.  It added a third 13-foot travel lane in both directions and 14-foot landscaped medians.  The project also included pavement crossfall and curb profile modifications and repairs.  These allowed for positive pavement drainage which was lacking prior to the widening.

During the design process, environmental studies and documentation were required.  CWE conducted field testing and monitoring on site.  All findings were also coordinated with the university to help keep them informed on the decision-making process.

The improvements to the landscaping were as impactful as the added roadways.  The repair of turf areas with shrubs added key greenery to the project.  A new drip irrigation system helped maintain the area’s landscaping.  The construction of retaining walls to reduce grading impacts on existing slopes also helped with the landscaping plan.

The construction of five feet of sidewalk made the area easy to navigate on foot.  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant curb ramps were constructed to keep the walkways friendly for all users.

The project also involved constructing stormwater quality detention basins to comply with water quality requirements.

Traffic signal modifications and roadway signage were a key part of the project’s wayfinding efforts.