07302013 notice - questions & answers final - sccrtc...replaced with clean ballast and compacted...

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July 30, 2013

TO: All Plan Holders

FROM: Luis Mendez, Deputy Director SCCRTC

Bill Baker, Resident Engineer, Santa Cruz Branch Line Bridge Supports, Repairs and

Member Replacements Project

SUBJECT: Notice – Questions & Answers

Priority One Repairs:

1. Q: Bridge 4.87: Posting all piles at Bent 1 goes against AREMA Chapter 7. Is there enough room

to double cap this bent or should the contractor frame the bent?

A: Replacement of abutment one with a framed bent or double capping is correct. Bidders are

advised to review the inspection report and inspect the structure to determine if there is enough

room for double capping. Inspection reports are available on the SCCRTC website at

www.sccrtc.org/RR‐Bridgework.

2. Q: Bridge 5.42:

a) Is it the intention of the owner to replace all the ballast boards at this location?

b) What is the depth of the ballast?

c) Is there a track joint on the bridge?

A:

a) See the inspection report for details of condition of ballast guard and ballast planks.

Only one span of ballast planks are to be replaced. The Appendix G scope of work calls

for replacement of 30 track feet of ballast guard and replacement of 15 lineal feet of

ballast planks.

b) Our observation during inspections indicates approximately 14” ballast depth. Bidders

are advised to inspect the structures to determine ballast depth.

c) Yes.

3. Q: Bridge 11.6: Posting pile at Bent 17 shows posting piles 1, 4, 5 & 6. Posting 3 piles adjacent to

each other violates AREMA Chapter 7 also, should this bent be framed instead?

A: Replacement of piles with a framed bent at Bent 17 is correct.

Notice – Questions & Answers ‐ Santa Cruz Branch Line Bridge Supports, Repairs and Member Replacements Project

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4. Q: Bridge 15.89(d): Posting pile at Bent 2 again shows 3 adjacent piles. Should the contractor

frame this bent?

A: Replacement of piles with a framed bent at Bent 2 is correct.

5. Q: Bridge 23.54:

a) The bridge appears to be a single span bridge to be re‐built entirely. The work

description shows posting all 10 pile, again this goes against AREMA best practices.

Should the contractor frame the abutments?

b) Has the owner considered replacing this bridge with a culvert? For the amount of work

to be done, a new RCB or large CMP culvert may be cheaper and will help by eliminating

a bridge.

A:

a) Replacement of piles with a framed bent at abutments 1 and 2 is correct.

b) Bidders are directed to submit bids based on the Appendix G scope of work to replace

the structure in‐kind. Replacement with culvert and other design alternatives will be

taken into consideration after the project is awarded. See General Conditions Item 37, p.

12, for information regarding implementation of changes in the work.

6. Q: Bridge 9.09:

a) What is the width of the Right‐of‐Way (ROW) at this bridge location?

b) Can the contractor drive support pile within the ROW without violating the current

permits? The current suggested staging does not work. It gets a crane out over the

work, but cannot get it back.

c) What constitutes “heavy equipment” per the permit requirements?

d) The pier concrete repairs require grading, wire sawing and re‐casting of concrete at the

bottom of the structure. How is the contractor to accomplish this without having

equipment on the bottom?

e) The contractor will have to remove and repair the girders; does the owner have the

original bridge drawings?

f) What are the weights of the steel sections that have to be removed?

g) What is the intention of the owner for painting of the existing steel for this structure? Is

the paint only for the repaired areas or is it for the entire member? The construction

notes reference blasting all seams, welds, edges, corners, etc. Is it the intent to then

coat the entire girder over the top of the existing lead paint?

h) The deck removal notes state that the contractor is responsible for all ties, rail and

hardware and has to re‐use or replace at no additional cost to the RR. The majority of

the time, damage is not apparent until the member/piece is actually removed. How is

the contractor to account for this in the bid? Potential bidder suggests adding a line


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item to the bid for misc. repairs and replacement with a value of $50,000 for all bidders

to include with their bid. This allowance will help pay for the incidental unknowns.

A:

a) Bidders may refer to the Right‐of‐way maps in the reference documents found on the

SCCRTC website at www.sccrtc.org/RR‐Bridgework. See file: Right‐of‐Way‐

Maps_SCCRTC.pdf. This location is on Map Sheet 43 where ROW locations vary

between approximately 50 and 80 feet.

b) See General Conditions Item 54, p. 27, regarding permits and licenses. See also the La

Selva drawings, General Notes ‐1, Drawing No. 3 of 67, PERMITS. The Contractor shall

procure all permits and licenses necessary to conduct the work. There is no known prohibition to driving support piles within the ROW and none is anticipated to be

imposed by any permitting agency. The staging is only a suggestion, the contractor is required to develop and submit their own staging plan.

c) Heavy equipment would be the type and size to create significant slope damage, i.e.,

dozers, excavators, etc.

d) Placing of small equipment, i.e., Bobcat or similar sized equipment with a crane to

minimize slope disturbance was envisioned. The contractor is encouraged to utilize other

means to accomplish the work while minimizing slope disturbance.

e) Bidders may refer to the reference documents found on the SCCRTC website at

www.sccrtc.org/RR‐Bridgework. See the file sn0909‐1thru60.pdf.

f) Bidders are advised to review the reference documents found on the SCCRTC website at

www.sccrtc.org/RR‐Bridgework.

g) See the La Selva drawing, General Notes ‐2, Drawing No. 4 of 67, stating, “ GENERAL:

CLEAN AND PAINT ALL EXPOSED STRUCTURAL STEEL AND OTHER METAL SURFACES. “

See also General Notes ‐3, Drawing no. 5 of 67 under the heading PRE‐CLEANING.

Cleaning means removing dirt, grease, loose chalky paint and other foreign material

from the surfaces. Existing, in‐tact paint on surfaces after cleaning may be painted over.

h) The General Notes‐3, Drawing No. 5 of 67, states, “THE COST OF DISPOSING OF UN‐

USEABLE MATERIAL AND THE REPLACED MATERIAL SHALL BE PAID FOR AT INVOICED

COST OF THE NEW MATERIAL PLUS 50%, NO ADDITIONAL PAYMENT WILL BE MADE.” A

subsequent addendum will include under Bid Item 4a. Deck Removal, Storage and Re‐

installation a sub‐Item 4a.‐1, an allowance of $50,000 for Disposal and Replacement of

Track Material Unsuitable for Re‐use.

General Questions:

7. Q: Pile Replacement:

a) New creosote treated pile is generally no longer driven. Typically a new steel bent is

driven with HP 14x89 pile and a HP 14x89 cap if the bent is to be replaced. Is it the

intention of the owner to have the contractor drive wood pile? The operation and


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equipment involved for driving a new pile is quite different from what is needed to

splice a pile. Who will be making the determination on whether to post a new pile or

replace?

b) How should the contractor price this item if it is undetermined?

A:

a) Driving new pile is not intended. Pile (less than 3 piles per bent) can be posted. If 3 or

more piles need to be replaced, then replace the bent with a framed bent.

b) See above response.

8. Q: Ballast Contamination:

a) The ballast removal at various bridges all have the same note that the ballast might be

contaminated and it is up to the contractor to test and dispose of accordingly. Has the

owner tested the ballast? What types of contamination are thought to be present?

A:

a) The owner has not tested the ballast. Some possible contaminates are hydrocarbons and

latent deposits from railcar contents.

All ballast removed from the bridge decks as necessary to perform repairs shall be replaced with clean ballast and compacted per AREMA Volume 1 ‐ Track, Chapter 1 – Roadway and Ballast, Section 2.0 Substructure Introduction through Section 2.10 Maintenance Practices. Existing ballast on the right‐of‐way is considered re‐usable as backfill or for roadbed shoulder widening as long as it remains on the right‐of‐way. Ballast removed from the ballast deck structures to facilitate the work may be stockpiled within the SCCRTC right‐of‐way for future re‐use or placed within the right‐of‐way as backfill or roadbed shoulder widening. Ballast used for these purposes will be placed at locations approved by the owner’s representative. See also Questions and Answers from the attached Notice issued May 2.

9. Q: Stringer Replacement: Is it the intention of the owner to replace only the span described

(nominally a 15’ span) or is the full length of the stringer to be replaced? This item will impact

the contractor’s means and methods, and cost.

A: The intention is to replace only the span (nominally a 15’ span).

10. Q: Will SCCRTC participate in a facilitated partnering process to ensure good owner/contractor

relationship throughout the project?


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A: Yes.

11. Q: Must pedestrian access under bridges that have pedestrian facilities under them be

maintained?

A: Contractor shall employ its best efforts to maintain pedestrian access under bridges that have

pedestrian facilities under them while maintaining safety for workers and users of the pedestrian

facilities.

12. Q: With reference to the questions and answers from the RT‐14019‐01 contract that bid on May

24, 2013: Do the answers to these questions remain accurate on the RT‐14019‐01 contract that

is scheduled to bid on August 9, 2013? If any do not remain accurate please re‐answer the

questions accordingly.

A: The previous Questions & Answers notices are attached and edited for this bid. The answers

remain accurate except as noted in text that is italicized and included in square brackets.

Priority Two Repairs:

13. Q: Bridge 6.25:

a) Bent 8 shows replacing/posting piles 4, 5 & 6. This is posting 3 adjacent piling again.

Should this bent be framed instead?

b) The work description shows replacing stringers in Span 8. The stringers are numbered 7,

10, 11 & 12. Is the numbering correct? Are there 6 stringers under each rail on this

bridge?

A:

a) Bent 8 will need to be replaced with a framed bent.

b) Yes, the numbering is correct. There are 12 stringers, 6 for each rail. The stringers are

spaced apart for supporting the ballast deck. Stringer 1 and 12 are ballast stringers on a

ballast deck bridge. Bidders are advised to review the inspection report and inspect the

structure.

14. Q: Bridge 15.89(b):

a) The description shows replacing/posting pile for this bridge. Due to the height, aren’t

the taller portions framed? According to AREMA Chapter 7, a pile that is over 23’ in

height on a tangent bridge cannot be posted.

b) If the above is true, does the owner want the girts replaced at the new framed member

sections? Typically this is a best practice when installing new members in a framed

section.


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A:

a) No, the taller portions are not framed. Splicing the pile may be the preferred option.

b) Bids should be based on the quantities shown for the structural members provided in the

Scope of work. Determination of any further replacement of structural members will be

addressed according to the contract provisions for Changes in the work.

15. Q: Bridge 19.43(a & b): Replace ties is listed as an approximate quantity. Please provide a

quantity for contractor to bid.

A: The Bids should be based on the quantities 80 bridge ties for Bridge 19.43a and 60 bridge ties

for Bridge 19.43b.

16. Q: Bridge 26.55: Would the owner consider replacing this bridge with a culvert?

A: Replacement with culvert will be taken into consideration after the project is awarded.

Priority Three Repairs:

17. Q: Bridge 23.47: Would the owner consider replacing the bridge with a culvert?


18. Q: Bridge 26.09: Would the owner consider replacing the bridge with a culvert?


19. Q: Retaining Wall MP 8.94 to MP 9.09: Do you have design drawings for this? Contractor is

unable to price this item as described.

A: Design drawings are not available at this bid time. Bids should be based on the quantities

provided in the Bid form and Scope of work. The guiding reference document is AREMA Manual

Chapter 8, Part 5 Retaining Walls, Abutments and Piers. Bidders are advised to inspect the site

of the structure.

See also Questions and Answers from the attached previous Bid Q&A notices.

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April 18, 2013






General Notes and Inquires from April 10 Pre‐Bid Meeting

Q: Will there be liquidated damages?

A: Yes, liquidated damages are addresses on Page XIII of the bid package, which is the fourth

page of the Bid Form. Liquidated damages are also addressed in Section 36 (Page 11 of the bid

package), Section 44 (Page 18 of the bid package) and Section 48 (Page 19 of the bid package).

[These page numbers are 12, 19 and 20 respectively in the bid package with a due date of

August 9, 2013.]

Q: Is pre‐bid meeting attendance mandatory for bidding?

A: No, the pre‐bid meeting is not mandatory. It was held on 4/10/2013. If your firm would like

to visit the site on your own, please contact the Railroad operator: Iowa Pacific Holdings/Santa

Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway (IPH) representative, Jeff Weeks (510) 927‐6376

[email protected] for permission to be on site. Google maps of the locations of sites

visited on 4/10 are available.

Q: Are there any other special requirements for bidding?

A: The requirements for bidding are covered in the bid documents. Any changes will be

addressed in upcoming addendum.

Q: Items 9 and 42 on Appendix I, the reference documents list in the bid package, seem to be

the same document.

A: Yes, they are the same document. Item 9 is the final stamped and signed version.

Q: Is there an engineer’s estimate for the Santa Cruz Branch Line Bridge Supports, Repairs and

Member Replacements?


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A: Please see APPENDIX F: Bid Item Cost Estimate in the Bid Documents. The total estimated

cost for the project is $4,685,295. [This has been revised to $4,781,190.00, due to additional

costs associated with fire damage to bridge at MP 23.54.]

Q: Are trains currently running over the La Selva Bridge?

A: No. They are not operating past approximately MP 4.5. However, train equipment for the

train to Christmas Town service beginning from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk will be moved over

the La Selva Bridge between November 1, 2013 and January 5, 2014. [The requirement to

schedule the work to allow the Train to Christmas Town equipment to be moved over the La

Selva Bridge between November 1, 2013 and January 5, 2014 has been removed.]

Q: Most of the structures that require repair are timber. Are they to be replaced with steel

members?

A: No. The timber structures members are to be replaced in‐kind. [Bidders are advised that replacement framed bents on timber bridges may be either steel or timber. Replacement with other than in‐kind components shall be designed by a qualified railroad bridge engineer per FRA CFR 49 PART 237—BRIDGE SAFETY STANDARDS Subpart F—Repair and Modification of Bridges 237.131 Design.]

Q: Does the scope of work include only steel bridges?

A: No, there are both timber and steel bridges included in the work.

Q: Are there only design drawings for the steel bridges?

A: Yes, the scope of work narratives for the timber bridges are included in the bid documents

(see APPENDIX G: Project Scope of Work.)

Q: Will there be a need for any additional engineering for timber bridges?

A: No. All work will be to replace in‐kind according to AREMA specifications. [See comment

above.]

Q: Has sequencing been determined?

A: There is a suggested sequencing plan for the La Selva bridge and a suggested jacking plan for

the Capitola bridge. However, it is the contractor’s responsibility to prepare their own

sequencing and jacking plans for all locations and submit for approval.

Q: Does the removal of any bridge members/components compromise the integrity of the

bridge?

A: Yes.


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Notes:

1. Rail removal and replacement work must be done by qualified personnel.

2. High levels of arsenic were found in the soil at some locations.

3. Steel structures were determined to contain lead paint.

4. For the steel structures, the intent is to do the work from the top down.

5. It may be possible to get a crane on the ground to assist at the La Selva Bridge.

6. Access will primarily be by SCCRTC rail line ROW.

7. Safety protocol: contact Jeff Weeks prior to accessing the ROW.

8. Several bridges have pedestrian access routes that lead to the beach. Coastal beach access

via pedestrian trails, etc. must be maintained, and cannot be shut down for the duration of

the construction activity.

9. There are businesses and residents leasing area under the Capitola Bridge. Notice must be

given to move out while construction activity is underway.

Antonelli Pond MP 22.29

Q: Is the foundation ok?

A: Yes, as far as we know.

Q: What about damage that is not identified in the inspection report?

A: Contractor shall work with the CM to identify any additional damage.

Q: Who is responsible for inspection?

A: The CM is responsible.

Q: Is there any direction given for field welding?

A: Yes, in the specifications.

Notes:

1. For walkway repairs, only damaged portions (i.e. holes, broken ledgers, etc.) need to be

repaired. There is no total replacement. This is identified as a lineal foot item in the bid

schedule.

San Lorenzo River MP 19.43

Q: Will access be available through the existing parking area near the bridge?


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A: SCCRTC will contact the owner to inquire. [The parking lot is owned by the Seaside Company,

who owns the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. According to a representative of the Seaside

Company, access would be available through the parking area near the bridge but contractors

should ensure that safe access to the Boardwalk by visitors is adequately maintained, it should

not be during peak visitor season, adequate insurance should be maintained by the contractor

and any other necessary details should be worked out.]

Q: Is this bridge steel or wrought iron?

A: Steel.

Q: Can it be welded to?

A: Yes. Paint must be cleared around the area to be welded.

Q: Are the bottom plates of the stringers to be replaced?

A: Yes, a new plate is to be added.

Q: When was the San Lorenzo bridge built?

A: Based on available records, it is estimated to have been built in 1904.

Q: Can the rail hardware (e.g. tie plates) be reused.

A: Yes, if they are in good condition, but if not in good condition, they must be replaced.

Capitola MP 15.89

Q: Can you confirm that the new anchor bolts and rebar do not conflict?

A: Cannot confirm off‐hand. See referenced as‐built documents.

Hidden Beach MP 11.16

Q: Is there a missing pile?

A: Yes.

Q: Does a new pile need to be driven?

A: No.

Q: What is to be done about the missing pile?


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A: Bad section was removed but never replaced. Contractor shall supply new pile section and

splice per SP common standards and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering.

Seascape MP 10.45

Q: Is there a preference for notching the bracing timbers versus the use of spacers?

A: Spacers are preferred (see SP common standards.)

Q: Is there trackwork needed on this bridge?

A: No, but the deck planks may need to be replaced.

La Selva Beach MP 9.09

Q: Do ties need to be removed and placed back exactly at the same location from which they

were removed and in the same order and orientation as they are currently placed?

A: Yes, and some of the guard timbers and all hardware needs to be replaced.

Q: Is access from the grade crossing back to the bridge a possibility?

A: All access is up to the contractor to determine.

Notes:

1. The La Selva Bridge must be operational from the beginning of November to the middle of

January. [This no longer applies.]

2. All ties need to be marked first to ensure replacement back in the same location and

orientation.

3. The access ramp from the Manresa Beach parking lot to the beach is approximately 9 feet in

width.

4. Crane access may be difficult.

5. Contractor must remain outside of the water channel below the bridge.

6. Contractor shall build a fence to separate the bridge area from the privately owned parking

area at the base of the bridge. [And contractor shall employ its best efforts to maintain

access to the beach from the parking lot.]

Retaining Wall MP 8.94

Q: The existing walls are approximately 15 feet from the centerline of the track. How far away

do the new retaining walls need to be from the centerline of the track?


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A: The new retaining wall shall be constructed in approximately the same position with latitude

of +/‐ 2 feet to accommodate construction, while maintaining a minimum distance of 15 feet

from the centerline of the track.

Q: Do the new retaining walls need to be engineered?

A: No, the new retaining wall shall be constructed according to AREMA specifications.

San Andreas Road MP 8.64

Notes:

1. The concrete structure is not part of the work scope.

2. There is an existing utility line running parallel and southwest of the bridge.

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May 2, 2013






1. Q: The Bid Form doesn’t appear to have any total or subtotals. Is this the intention of the form?

A: Understanding you are looking for the space on the Bid Form where the Bidder enters

the Total Bid: The Bid Form has a space above the Bid Schedule for the bidder to fill out

the sum for the Total Bid. The intent of the form is to have the Bidder’s Total Bid

entered here on Pg. XI, just above the Bid Schedule. See also the last instructional line

on Pg. XII:

(Bidder shall multiply the Estimated Quantity of each bid Item, by the Bidder’s Unit Price

for each Item, which total shall be written as the Unit Total for each Item. Bidder’s Total

Bid shall be the sum of the Unit Total of each bid Item.)

See also the Instructions to Bidders that begin on Pg. VI.

2. Q: In Appendix E, the Contractor Occupancy/Access Agreement paragraph 3 states that

the contractor agrees to reimburse the railroad for all cost and expense incurred by the

Railroad in connection with the work. The costs listed include inspectors, is it the intent

that the contractor will reimburse the railroad for all inspection costs? If so please

provide a listing of work the railroad wishes to inspect and anticipated costs for these

inspections so that this cost can be included in the pricing.

A: The Inspectors referred to in paragraph 3 of Appendix E will be part of the staff of

the Owner’s Representative on this contract. The Railroad does not anticipate incurring

cost for inspectors in connection with the work on this contract that would be the

contractor’s responsibility to reimburse.


May 2, 2013

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Refer also to Special Conditions and Requirements Section II.1. A under Engineering

Services, Contractor Payment for Services Provided by Engineer, stating that SCCRTC

shall be reimbursed by the Contractor for additional services including inspections that

are necessary due to damages caused by the Contractor, negligence or rejected or

nonconforming work.

3. Q: The drawings do not size the welds or the bolts. We need to supply this information

to the fabricators for pricing information. Can you supply this information?

A: All weld sizes when not specified on plans are minimum weld sizes per AWS D1.5

which are dependent on plate thicknesses. H.S. bolts are to be 7/8 inch diameter.

4. Q: SCCRTC received a request from a prospective bidder for a four week bid extension

for the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line Improvement Project.

A: The bid due date of May 10, 2013 remains in place. [This no longer applies.]

5. Q: In the bid Documents, on sheet XII there are three bid items that pertain to the

bridge at milepost 19.43, item 15, 16 and 25. However there is not a description for bid

item 25, only a description for bid items 15 and 16. Is this a mistake in the bid form?

A: The bid items are corrected in Addendum No. 2. Bid Item 25 is removed from the

package. [The Bid Item No.’s 15 and 16 have been revised to Bid Items 16 and 17

respectively in the bid package with a due date of August 9, 2013.]

6. Q: A prospective bidder observed that the bridge at milepost 23.47 has been damaged

by a recent fire and points out that the condition it is in currently greatly deviates from

the bid item description and the recent engineering inspection report that is in the bid

documents.

A: The bridge that was damaged by a recent fire is Bid Item No. 17, Bridge 23.54. A

revised scope for Bridge 23.54 is issued in Addendum No. 2. Note that the questioner

erroneously identified the burned bridge as Bridge at MP 23.47.

The scope for Bid Item No. 27, Bridge 23.47 remains unchanged.


May 2, 2013

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[Bid Item No. 17 has been revised to No. 9 in the bid package with a due date of August

9, 2013.]

7. Q: a) The “Project scope of work” sheets state that:

i. “All ballast removed or disturbed during the repair process shall be replaced with clean

ballast and compacted ….”

ii. “The contractor shall test all soil and ballast prior to removing it from SCCRTC property

in order to comply with all Federal, State, Local laws governing contaminated soil.”

iii. “All ballast removed from ballast deck structures shall be properly disposed of in

accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.”

b) Additionally the AMEC Phase II Investigation (December 2009) identifies the possibility of

hydrocarbons, arsenic, chromium, lead and pesticides. However there does not appear to

be sufficient samples to determine what if any contaminates there are at the bridge

locations. Without this information the contractor is unable to accurately estimate the

disposal cost. Is there testing information available specifically for the bridge locations? If

no additional information is available payment of the disposal fees under an allowance

item would ensure uniformity of contractors pricing or an alternative option would be to

allow material to be left on site.

A: a) i. All ballast removed from the bridge decks for the convenience of the Contractor to

perform repairs or as necessary to perform repairs shall be replaced with clean ballast

and compacted per; AREMA Volume 1 ‐ Track, Chapter 1 – Roadway and Ballast, Section

2.0 Substructure Introduction through Section 2.10 Maintenance Practices.

ii. As stated, any soil or ballast designated to be removed from SCCRTC property shall be

tested prior to removal from the right‐of‐way. See INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS Items 3

and 5. See also page 1 and 2 of the GENERAL CONDITIONS, items 3 and 4. Bidders must

satisfy themselves through their own testing and investigation, as to the conditions to

be encountered. Bidders shall include in their bids, sums to compensate Bidder in the

event that Bidder is awarded the Contract and encounters unexpected or other

conditions. This includes compensation for unsuitable materials as described in

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS Item 3.

iii. Any suitable ballast removed from the ballast deck structures to facilitate the work may be stockpiled within the SCCRTC right‐of‐way or re‐used as backfill or for roadbed shoulder widening on the right‐of‐way. Ballast used for these purposes will be placed at locations approved by the owner’s representative. Contractor’s work plan shall contain provisions for management of materials to address soil and ballast sampling,


May 2, 2013

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excavation, handling, stockpiling, and disposal procedures for any materials removed from the SCCRTC right‐of way in compliance with Federal, State and local laws.

b) See INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS Items 3 and 5. See also page 1 and 2 of the GENERAL

CONDITIONS, items 3 and 4. The AMEC Phase II investigation is made available for

information but does not constitute part of the contract. Bidders must satisfy themselves

through their own testing and investigation, as to the conditions to be encountered. The

bid documents do not have a separate allowance item for disposal fees as it is considered

incidental to the work. See above response a)iii addressing management of soils and

ballast. Contractor’s materials management plan shall be in compliance with Federal,

State and local laws. Any unsuitable material designated for removal from the SCCRTC

right‐of‐way shall be properly disposed of including but not limited to the material testing,

cost to transport and disposal fees at an authorized disposal facility.

8. Q: Is there minority outreach associated with this project?

A: Please refer to the “Public Notice” section, page IV, of the bid documents.

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May 20, 2013






1. Q: Bid item number 37, Handrail Repair, does not have a bid item description. Which type of Handrail is in need of repair; cable or wood and on which bridge shall the repairs be made? A: See inspection reports in the reference documents for details on Bid Item 30 ‐ handrail repair. Bidder to determine type and quantity of repair based on inspection reports, site visit of April 10th and bidder’s own site investigations.

2. Q: On page one of the general notes for the La Selva Bridge under General Notes it states, “All material and workmanship shall conform to the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association’s Manual for Railway Engineering (AREMA Manual)…” In AREMA Manual Chapter 15 Section 3 Subsection A & B pertains to structural steel fabricators qualifications which states that fabricators must poses a SBR (Simple Steel Bridge Structures) or a CBR (Major Steel Bridge Structures) or another suitable program as determined by the engineer. As well as, “Structural steel fabricators of Fracture Critical Members shall be certified under the AISC Quality Certification Program, with a Fracture Critical Endorsement (F) or another suitable program as determined by the engineer.” Is it the owner’s intentions that the structural steel fabricator have either a SBR or a CBR certification and a Fracture Critical Endorsement (F) for this project? Also what constitutes a “suitable program” that will be accepted by the engineer in lieu of the aforementioned qualifications? A: To Clarify AREMA Chapter 15, Section 3.1.1, Subpart a) AISC Quality Certification CBR shall be required for fabrication of all bridge steel. To Clarify AREMA Chapter 15, Section 3.1.1, Subpart b) AISC Quality Certification Program with a Fracture Critical Endorsement shall be required for the fabrication of any members listed as Fracture Critical Members (FCM) within the Contract Plans. No other qualification will be deemed suitable.

3. Q: While reviewing the drawings for the La Selva Bridge, the Span Top Plan drawing for Span 5 seems to be missing. Was this was left out intentionally or is it located someplace else in the drawings?

A: Rev. 1 of Drawing 54 of 67 is in the La Selva Package, Addendum No 4. [This has been corrected and question does not apply to bid package with due date of August 9, 2013.]


May 20, 2013

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4. Q: It appears that the following represents the grading of the wood materials for the project:

Specie (Douglas Fir, Hem‐Fir, SYP)

Grade ‐ Select Structural, #1, or #2

Surfacing ‐ Rough (Full Sawn, or Standard Sawn), S4S, or S1S, S1E, S1S1E, Etc.

Treatment type ‐ Creosote, 50/50 Creosote/Petroleum oil, Penta‐H, ACZA or ACQ

Retention of Treatment ‐ 12#, 10#, 8# if Creosote or 50/50, Penta‐H .60, .50, ,40, ACZA .4#, .6#, 1.0#, 1.5#, 2.5#

a) What is the appropriate AWPA UC (use code) this would spell out retentions & type of

treatment? What preservative or preservatives are to be used? (The UC's gives more than 1 option)

b) Which Certifications are required ‐ Independent, Agency Certs (WCLIB WWPA PLIB)? c) Is there any moisture content spec? d) What is the grade and surfacing of the material? e) What certificates are needed? ‐ Mill certificates, Agency certificates, or 3rd party

certificates. f) What are the BMP's required? If so are treating plant certificate OK or do we need 3rd

party? A: a) AREMA only refers to AWPA C28 for the preservative requirements for glulam timber (Ch.

7 Sec 1.5.1.6). Other preservatives vary by the location of the bridge element (i.e. above

ground dry, marine use, ground contact, etc.) Those preservative designations vary greatly

and can be found in AWPA’s Use Category System: User Specification for Treated Wood.

b) The appropriate grading Agencies/Bureaus are referenced in the Tables found in AREMA

Chapter 7, Section 2. They are:

NELMA – Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Inc. NLGA ‐ National Lumber Grades Authority SPIB – Southern Pine Inspection Bureau WCLIB – West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau WWPA – Western Wood Products Association

c) Moisture content is listed in AREMA Table 7‐2‐13 per specie.

d) Grade is listed in AREMA Table 7‐2‐13. Grade recommendations for railway lumber can be

found in ASTM D 2555 and ASTM D245 (AREMA Ch. 7 Sec 1.4.1b). AREMA does not specify

rough or surfacing of lumber, except for a note for dapping ties (Ch. 7 Sec. 1.13.7).

e) The above agency/bureau certification of the mills is sufficient. List of certified mills can be

found on the agencies’ websites. AREMA has some information regarding the agency/bureau,

but is not practical to list here. Each State has its own and lists the mills which are certified

depending on the species of wood.


May 20, 2013

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f) The above agency/bureau certification of the treatment plants is sufficient. AREMA

provides some guidance toward the type of treatment to be used. Depending on the location

of the treatment facility, there will be an agency/bureau with a list of certified treatment

facilities.

5. Q: What vertical height shall we assume the new retaining wall will be; the 4 to 5 feet it is currently or greater since at some locations it is supported from below? A: The height of the wall would be approximately 4' to 5' in height. The wall is to be approximately 15' from centerline of the existing track alignment with top of wall even with top of tie.

6. Q: Also what will the anticipated surcharge loading be; will it be cooper E‐80 loading or less?

A: The surcharge loading would be Copper E‐80 loading.

7. Q: Bid Items #29, #30 and #32 don’t seem to have a description of what work is entailed in Appendix G, as the other bid items not shown in the drawings have.

a) Can you please provide drawings of the typical walkway to be repaired under bid item #29

and for the typical handrail to be repaired under bid item #30? The only description we have found is a brief reference in the questions and answers, shown below: “Notes: 1. For walkway repairs, only damaged portions (i.e. holes, broken ledgers, etc.) need to be repaired. There is no total replacement. This is identified as a lineal foot item in the bid schedule.”

b) Can you please provide a description of what bid item #32 covers? Is the quantity “each” the same as per day in this usage?

A: a) See the inspection reports in the reference documents for details on the handrail and

walkway repairs. The Bidder is to determine type and quantity of repair based on inspection reports, site visit of April 10th and bidder’s own site investigations.

b) Refer to Item 40. DELAYS, in the General Conditions, Pgs. 15‐16 for information on Bid

Item #32. The quantity “each” is the same as per day in this usage. [These page numbers are 16‐17 in the bid package with a due date of August 9, 2013.]