This project will prevent the railroad tracks and existing bridge from being an impediment to flood abatement work.
This project will replace the existing railroad bridge over the Napa River with a new bridge and construct a new bridge over the future Oxbow Bypass in order to provide flood protection to the Napa community. These new bridges will be constructed high enough to avoid blocking flood flows and to ensure that other flood project features can be constructed and function effectively. Additionally, this project will raise 3300 linear feet of track (from 2 to 5 feet) between Third Street and Soscol Avenue to the north thus raising the railroad track grade crossings at First Street, Third Street and Soscol Avenue. The contract also covers major additional flood abatement work in downtown Napa. Here is the link to the Napa Valley Wine Train's In Depth FAQs on this project click here.
Additionally (not part of this contract), construction of the Oxbow Bypass Channel and additional flood defenses along the Napa Creek are required to complete the flood control project.
To view the overall map of the full flood control project and the completion milestones click here.
Who designed this project?
The US Army Corp of Engineers designed this project working in close cooperation with the City of Napa and the Napa County Flood Control District.
Who is running this project?
The US Army Corp of Engineers is managing this project and has contracted with Suulutaaq, Inc. as the prime contractor for the project. The day-to-day responsibility for project execution lies with Suulutaaq and its subcontractors, service providers, and vendors.
Was this a no-bid contract?
This was not a no-bid contract. Suulutaaq responded to the Army Corp of Engineers Request for Proposal (RFP) (over 1000 pages) with a proposal for completing the project. That proposal was submitted in accordance with the Department of Defense Regulations that establish allowable costs, profit ceilings and audit requirements. Following the Federal Laws that govern its contracts, the Army Corp of Engineers conducted an independent cost analysis that concluded Suulutaaq’s proposal was both fair and reasonable. After confirmation of the cost analysis and the mandatory audit requirements, the Army Corp of Engineers entered into final negotiations with Suulutaaq to set a firm fixed price and then awarded the Contract in September 2008.
What is an Alaskan Native Corporation?
For a complete background on Alaskan Natives and the role of the Alaskan Native Corporation click here.
Is this project contributing to the Napa economy?
Suulutaaq has a very successful track record of hiring and training local individuals and employing qualified local subcontractors. Suulutaaq’s local hiring practice provides current and future benefits to the Napa community. Project money is reinvested back into the Napa community and the locals hired receive technical training and management skills which benefit themselves and the community long after a project's completion. This provides a win-win situation for the Napa community and the contractor.
In an effort to build good relations, Suulutaaq involves local leaders in project planning and is deeply committed to executing a successful project.
To date, Suulutaaq has hired over over 60 subcontractors, service providers and vendors.
Also see Community Value page, or click here.
What street closures will be made?
First and Third streets at the railroad crossings will be completely closed at certain times but neither of these streets will be closed at the same time. Soscol Avenue will be partially closed.
During the closures of First and Third Streets all businesses will be open and pedestrian walkways will be built to help in gaining access to these businesses.
How long will these street closures last?
The schedule for all full and partial street closures is published on the About page, click here.
What might delay a street reopening?
Two situations can cause delays in a street re-opening:
1. Discovery of undocumented underground utilities (pipes, etc.). The Napa streets have been in place for over 100 years making it literally impossible to know everything that is under the streets. Whenever the contractor discovers an undocumented utility, work must stop while the Corp of Engineers and the Napa City Public Works department assesses the situation. As soon as a course of remedial action is approved, the work can immediately resume. As an example, the contractor recently discovered an undocumented asbestos pipe under First Street.
2. Weather. Much of the First and Third street work is scheduled to be accomplished during the Winter rainy season. It is difficult to predict the effects of any major storms, but this may affect construction. Also, this National Weather Service El Nino advisory predicts a strengthening of El Nino weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere through Winter 2009-2010.
Where can I get information on street closures?
Updated "real-time" status information on street closures will be posted in the "Status Updates" section on this website, click here and also on the City of Napa's website. Also, please sign up for our mailing list (at the bottom of this page) to receive email updates on any status changes as they occur.
Who can I contact for more information/questions?
Go to the Contact Us page or click here.
