Since 2020, Ames crews have been working on various segments of CV Link, a corridor that enhances connectivity throughout California’s Coachella Valley while facilitating and promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation.
In 2024, Ames was awarded CV Link 3/4/5, a one-year project located in three cities: Palm Springs, Indio, and Coachella. The project consists of approximately 8.7 miles of concrete pathway that will accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and low-speed electric vehicles.
The work scope involves excavation, embankment, and grading for the concrete pathway and access points with seeded glass concrete along with architectural and service elements such as pathway lighting, metal railing, landscaping, shade canopies, water foundations, benches, and trash/recycling receptacles.
Grade crews achieved a major milestone in 2024 by completing the excavation and embankment of more than 30,000 cubic yards of material. The challenge in this part of the project involved determining the earthwork quantities, which were different based on existing field conditions, along with ensuring that proper compaction was achieved in the dry sandy soil conditions that exist in the desert environment.
“Our grading crew understood that to achieve the compaction requirements of the dry sandy soils, the soils needed to be scarified in 1,000-foot sections. Crews then oversaturated the sections with water, blended the material, regraded, and compacted,” explains Project Manager Doug Westbrook. “This grading operation ensured that the compaction tests would meet the testing requirements.”
Another aspect of working in the Coachella Valley in the summer months is the heat, with temperatures that can soar to 115-120 degrees. The project team emphasized extreme heat awareness, specifically steps to prevent heat exhaustion. Superintendents and foremen ensured that field crews took their required breaks and had access to shaded canopies and hydration stations.
“During weekly safety meetings, we continuously explained and educated the crews on how to prevent and be aware of heat exhaustion,” Doug says. “This included recommendations regarding the elimination of energy drinks and encouraging proper hydration before and after work shifts. We also provided electrolyte packets for the crews that could be added to their water bottle as an extra measure to prevent heat exhaustion.”
Working with Project Superintendents John Kayser and Dave Johnston has been especially enjoyable, Doug adds.
"They both are very good at what they do and ensure that their crews understand that both safety and production are a part of every activity. In challenging situations, they can still bring out the fun with their crews, which allows them to maintain a sense of teamwork even in those difficult situations."
