Q&D was contracted to reconstruct a half mile corridor of CA-70 adjacent to the Feather River. This location was prone to being washed out by high river flows following wet seasons. The project consisted of a half-mile soldier-pile retaining wall that averages 17 feet in height with a 12-inch thick cast-in-place wall facing, featuring a rock pattern finish. Additionally, the wall serves to protect the newly realigned section of highway. It also prevents bank scour, protecting the roadway. Essentially the project widened shoulders, moving the highway away from the adjacent steep slope while also improving sightlines for safety. During construction, the Q&D team dealt with serpentine rock, known to contain naturally occurring asbestos. Upon completion, the wall was painted to match the native rock environment, adding aesthetic appeal to scenic byway.

In October 2024, Q&D won the 2024 ENR Northern California Region’s award for Best Highway/Bridge Project 

Learn more about the project here.