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Granite Construction of Watsonville, Calif., was awarded an approximately $45 million contract to reconstruct and modernize the John Wilkie Safety Roadside Rest Area along the Interstate 40 corridor by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the company announced in a news release.

In addition, Caltrans awarded Granite an approximately $38 million contract (Segment 4E South) to add peak-hour high occupancy vehicle lanes and reconstruct all elements of the existing Highway 101 through southern Santa Barbara, the company said in a separate release.

The rest area project marks the fifth in a series of initiatives to improve safety and infrastructure along I-40. The project scope includes constructing a modern rest area for motorists. Given the significant distance from the nearest town, this upgraded rest area will provide a safe place for travelers to rest and recover, enhancing safety along this stretch of the interstate.

Previous projects included filling in the median, flattening slopes adjacent to the roadway and creating recovery areas for vehicles that leave the highway.

"We are committed to making I-40 safer for all who travel through this area," Granite Vice President of Regional Operations Bill Moore said. "Our relationship with Caltrans has been fostered and strengthened through our continued work along the I-40 corridor, and we are excited to contribute further to this vital infrastructure."

Granite will provide materials from Desert Cities Asphalt, including 12,200 tons of asphalt for parking lots and ramps.

The project was expected to begin in September 2024 and completed in January 2026.

The Highway 101 contract is the sixth mainline segment awarded to Granite under its Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) contract. The collaborative team, including Granite, Caltrans and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), have worked together for more than five years under the contract to make improvements to Highway 101.

Mainline segments in Carpinteria and Summerland are complete, and the mainline segment south of Summerland is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. Multiple segments are under way in Montecito and are scheduled for completion in 2026. The Segment 4E South contract will fully integrate into the Montecito segments, maximizing synergies and enhancing overall project efficiency.

In addition to improving traffic flow, this project emphasizes sustainability. Materials removed from existing facilities are recycled into aggregate base (13,000 tons). The concrete used for paving is produced from an onsite batch plant (11,800 cu. yds)., with materials sourced from Granite's nearby aggregate facilities (19,000 tons). Hot mix asphalt will be supplied from Granite's Gardner and Santa Paula Hot Plants (12,850 tons).

"This project is another significant step forward to relieving traffic congestion through this critical corridor," Granite Vice President of Regional Operations Larry Camilleri said. "We are excited to work with Caltrans and SBCAG to deliver another important project for the community and traveling public."

This segment was expected to begin in September 2024 and completed in October 2026.

A year earlier, a $48 million contract was awarded to Granite to reconstruct 10.9 mi. of Highway 101, the company said in a news release. The project is expected to be completed in June 2026.

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