Prunedale Improvement Project at US 101

US 101 is a major corridor in Monterey County providing vital access between San Jose, the Monterey Peninsula, and Salinas Valley. The Prunedale Improvements Project (PIP) at US 101 relieves congestion and provides safer travel for the communities within and through the Salinas Valley.

The $75M construction project was built in several stages and spans four areas along an eight-mile stretch of US 101. This project constructed three new interchanges/overpasses along US 101 through North Monterey County at Russell/Espinosa, Blackie/Reese, and Crazy Horse Canyon/Echo Valley Roads.

The project eliminated several at-grade intersections with left- and right-hand turn lanes and closed all median openings with concrete barriers. Additional improvements were made to the San Miguel flyover and to local roads throughout the corridor to improve access and local circulation.

The PIP was a challenging project that realigned several miles of US 101 while raising the profile grade over eighteen feet. Additional project elements included extending and realigning the frontage roads; constructing eight new cast-in-place, post-tensioned box girder bridge structures;  widening one existing bridge; installing six concrete and/or soil nail and soldier pile retaining walls; placing miles of sound walls; and constructing five reinforced box culverts.

Construction of several interchanges occurred concurrently at various locations, which required constant coordination with the Structures and District staff and between the ongoing operations, local agencies, and the public. The project also required special attention to environmental permits.