Sukut Construction is reconstructing a 2,000-foot-long cut slope, originally graded during the construction of State Route 14 in the early 1970s. The hill, towering nearly 200 feet, has suffered significant erosion over the decades. To stabilize the compromised area, Sukut removed approximately 212,000 cubic yards of earth and installed a substantial anchored wire mesh system designed to prevent future erosion. The remaining work involves highway civil improvements, including guardrails, concrete barriers, new asphalt paving, asphalt curbs, and fencing.
The Caltrans 07-339604 Route 14 Slope Repair project began in the fall of 2022 and covers the area along the shoulder of southbound Highway 14 between Golden Valley Road and Placerita Canyon Road in northern Los Angeles County, CA. The challenging location required an innovative approach to achieve the construction objectives. On July 30, Sukut employed an Agusta AW-119 helicopter to place 12 heavy wire mesh panels on the slope adjacent to the southbound lanes of the highway. This operation marked the second time a helicopter was used for this purpose, the first being in February of this year.
Meticulous planning went into the mesh installation, involving close collaboration between Sukut, subcontractors, engineers, safety officers, and the HP Helicopters crew. The helicopter team included on-site mechanics to promptly address any potential issues, ensuring the operation was on schedule. Sukut conducted multiple safety meetings to ensure precision and safety during the lifting and placement process.
The wire mesh panels were secured with grouted anchor rods drilled 10 feet into the slope. The immediate work focused on securing the edges and ensuring each panel was correctly tensioned for maximum stability. The next steps include completing the attachment of the wire mesh and pouring concrete along each graded bench on the slope to enhance stability, implement stormwater measures, and provide additional protection.
The operation was executed smoothly, with no deviations from the plan.