California 8 April 19, 2026

Granite Works On OCTA’s S.R. 91 Improvement Project

By Irwin Rapoport

CORRESPONDENT

Granite Construction expects to complete the first segment of the $779 million, three-part State Route 91 (between State Route 57 and State Route 55) Improvement Project in Orange County in late 2027.

The initiative, a partnership between the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), is upgrading a 6.6-mi. section of S.R. 91 to improve mobility and reduce weaving and merging between ramps and interchanges.

Segment 1 operations began in April 2025. Parsons Corp. designed the segment.

“The portion of S.R. 91 experiences congestion and traffic delays during peak travel periods due to local and regional traffic demand exceeding available capacity on the freeway, and demand is expected to increase,” Eric Carpenter, an OCTA spokesperson, told Construction Equipment Guide. “In addition, weaving and short merging distances between successive ramps and the S.R. 57 and S.R. 55 connectors create several bottlenecks along westbound S.R. 91. Without improvements, the increased travel demand will result in increased travel time, delays and insufficient operating conditions along the freeway, ramps and areas of weaving.

“SR 91 is a vital link in Orange County’s traffic network and, especially with more vehicles traveling to and from more affordable communities in the adjacent Riverside County, traffic is frequently backed up during weekday rush hours and on weekends,” he added. “This is one of the major corridors that connects major ports and Orange County to the Inland Empire, the location of many commercial warehouses and manufacturing facilities that prompt significant truck traffic.”

Taming Traffic

A 2020 traffic study projected local and regional traffic demand would increase along the project corridor from approximately 185,500 vehicles per day in 2014 to

approximately 220,000 vehicles per day by 2050.

The project dates to 2008, when OCTA initiated a feasibility study to consider alternatives and design options that could improve mobility within the study area. The planning phase began in early 2013, while an environmental study began in January 2015. The design phase started in June 2020 and was completed in June 2024.

Local funds, $668 million, cover most of the project’s financing. The state is contributing $92 million, with $19 million coming from federal funding.

The overall project includes S.R. 91 as it passes through Anaheim, Orange, Placentia, Fullerton and Yorba Linda.

Pros Handle Golf Course Trees With Vermeer ATX 850

RDO Equipment photo

Vermeer’s compact articulated loader and a large brush cutter equipped with its SmartFeed System, plus field support from a trusted dealer, have become tools to complete tree removal services on time and budget.

By Lance Barker SPECIAL TO CEG

When a golfer steps onto a course, they expect a smooth, uninterrupted experience. For the tree-care teams working behind the scenes, that means any work must happen quickly, quietly and without leaving a trace.

When luxury golf courses in southern California need tree work done and done flawlessly, they call Your Way Tree Service.

The company has built its reputation on precision, professionalism and the ability to work within tight time windows without disrupting play. For owner Jesse Montoya, that commitment is non-negotiable.

But delivering that level of excellence requires equipment built for speed, agility and reliability. That’s where the Vermeer’s compact articulated loader (ATX) and a large brush cutter equipped with its SmartFeed System, plus field support from a trusted dealer, have become proven tools to complete tree removal services on time and budget.

Built On Precision

Your Way Tree Service specializes in tree removal and care on high-end golf courses and residential environments where every movement matters. Narrow gates, delicate landscaping, irrigation lines and strict timelines mean that crews have to precisely remove trees and debris without disrupting existing landscaping.

“Golf courses don’t give you a lot of room for error,” Montoya said. “You need equipment that can get in, get the work done and get out without leaving a mark.”

Montoya needed equipment that combines lifting power with minimal turf disturbance and could help Your Way Tree Service operators. His crews often need to safely move large, heavy logs and debris on a tight schedule before golfers are scheduled to return.

Montoya shared that he didn’t want to feel pressured to get something right away but needed to find the right machine that would get the job done with the right financing options as he grew his business.

“When I go to a dealer, I don’t want to get a machine if I don’t fully understand its capabilities,” Montoya said.

Whether you’re managing a golf course, a tree care business or a landscaping operation, the right equipment and support make all the difference.

“When I went to RDO Equipment Co., their team members were able to tell me everything I needed to know. They understood that I’m a business owner, too, so I needed to manage costs with operational needs.”

Why Vermeer’s ATX 850?

When Montoya first started to build his client list and schedule his jobs, he needed equipment that could work effectively across multiple job sites. After walking golf courses together and examining Tree Your Way’s workflow, RDO team members recommended the Vermeer ATX 850, highlighting features including:

• high lifting capacity for large logs and debris;

• articulated steering that protects turf and irrigation;

• compact size for navigating gates and bunkers; and

• operator-friendly controls that reduce training time.

“The ATX has allowed me alone to produce what used to take six to eight guys. My crew just piles the branches, and the ATX grabs them and goes, feeding our chipper with no problem.”

Montoya didn’t just like the ATX 850, he defined it as a game-changer with its ability to lift and load large logs with its telescopic boom.

“It’s a huge difference when we’re able to use one machine to quickly load 40-yard bins with logs and branches,” he said. “And when we’re not loading bins, we’re feeding branches straight into the chipper.”

On the chipping side, the Vermeer BC2100XL, equipped with SmartFeed, keeps productivity high and downtime low.

“SmartFeed keeps the job moving. If debris gets stuck, the operator can adjust the cutter’s RPM droop setting for the size of the material,” he said. “When you’re on a tight schedule, that makes a huge difference.”

Montoya said the ATX 850 strikes the ideal balance of size, lift capacity and turf protection, making it the best ATX model for tree removal crews.

Tree Care Keeps Golf Courses Running Smoothly

With the ATX 850 and BC2100XL in his fleet, Montoya has been able to:

• access tight areas without damaging turf;

• move and process large trees efficiently;

• maintain clean natural barriers along fairways;

• stay on schedule, even with strict time windows; and

• keep courses open and golfers happy.

Montoya has even used the ATX 850 to expand his client list to remove, trim or plant new trees in residential areas.

“Clients don’t want heavy equipment on their lawns, but when they see the ATX work, not one blade of grass is damaged,” he said. “I can plant 10 to 15 trees every two hours. That machine is the way to go.”

Partnership Built On Trust

Montoya describes RDO team members as business advisors, with whom he can discuss ways to expand his services. Recently, he acquired a Vermeer tub grinder to quickly remove stumps.

“Out of everything, after working with different companies, RDO has completely changed things for me,” he said. “If something breaks down, RDO always finds a real solution. If there are no parts available, somehow, they make it happen — overnight if needed.”

That reliability is business-critical.

“If my machine is down, my guys can’t work, and that kills production. But with RDO, when I’m down, I can be back working within 24 to 48 hours,” he said.

Montoya said besides the on-site service, he’s experienced the following support from RDO team members.

• Fast parts delivery, even if it means pulling parts from another store within the RDO network, which spans 12 states.

• Operator training and walk-throughs.

• Regular check-ins to ensure equipment performance.

“I couldn’t be happier. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for a chipper or any equipment,” Montoya said. “RDO takes care of me.”

Whether you’re managing a golf course, a tree-care business or a landscaping operation, the right equipment and support make all the difference.

For more information, visit RDOequipment.com.

(Article reprinted with permission from RDO Equipment Co. Lance Barker is an account manager of RDO Equipment Co.) 

Komatsu West Strengthens Presence in Sacramento

Komatsu underscored its long-term commitment to Northern California contractors with a well-attended open house on April 8, 2026, at its Sacramento facility.

The event, hosted by Komatsu’s company-owned dealer network, Komatsu West, welcomed local equipment owners and industry professionals following a recent territory transition in the region.

The open house provided attendees with an up-close look at Komatsu’s expanding capabilities, from service support to advanced digital technologies, including telematics and intelligent machine control systems. Representatives emphasized how the integration of equipment, technology and service is helping contractors improve productivity and jobsite efficiency.

“This is about bringing everything together for our customers — equipment, service and the digital tools that drive smarter operations,” said Brian Walter, regional manager of Komatsu West’s California branch locations. Walter noted that the Sacramento branch serves as a central hub for the region, alongside operations in Fresno, with plans under way to open a new location in Redding.

Walter also highlighted the advantage of Komatsu’s company-owned dealer model.

“The mindset shift we’re working to communicate is that we’re not an independent dealership — we have the full backing of the factory behind us,” he said. “That gives us the ability to move quickly, invest in the region and truly control our own destiny while delivering long-term value to our customers.”

Komatsu identified Northern California as a key growth market and moved decisively to expand its footprint through Komatsu West, reinforcing its dealerowned network while maintaining close alignment with manufacturing and engineering.

Rod Bull, CEO of Komatsu North America, emphasized the strategic importance of company-owned stores within the broader dealer network.

“Our company-owned locations create a direct connection between the customer and Komatsu’s manufacturing and engineering teams,” said Bull. “That relationship allows us to deliver a higher level of support, innovation and responsiveness.”

Bull, who brings more than 15 years of experience with Komatsu — including time on the dealer side — noted that the company-owned model has already proven successful in other regions, including the East Coast and parts of the western United States such as Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Arizona.

“We see Northern California as a natural fit,” he said. “Customers here are open to innovation and new technologies, and they value working directly with a manufacturer that’s committed to the long term. Our goal is to combine that direct connection with strong local leadership and community involvement.”

The Sacramento facility itself reflects that commitment, offering robust parts availability and service capabilities designed to minimize downtime. Company officials noted that maintaining a high parts fill rate and delivering components quickly to customers remains a top priority.

Looking ahead, Komatsu plans continued investment and expansion throughout the region.

“We have a great team, strong facilities and a clear growth trajectory,” Bull said. “We’re excited about the future here and the opportunity to further invest in Northern California.”

The recent territory adjustments also are designed to strengthen partnerships across the state, ensuring customers

receive consistent support while positioning Komatsu West to meet increasing demand.

For contractors attending the open house, the message was clear: Komatsu is not only expanding its footprint in Northern California but also deepening its commitment to the customers and communities it serves.  CEG

(All photographs in this article are Copyright 2026 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)

Attendees learned about the varied options that Komatsu West offers, specialized to represent each market, whether for heavy roadwork or mining.

ALL WORK. NO WEAKNESS.

CALIFORNIA

COLUSA

1960 Highway 20 Colusa, CA 95932

Phone: (530) 458-2166

DIXON

793 N First Street

Dixon, CA 95620

Phone: (916) 649-0096

DOS PALOS

2173 Blossom Street

Dos Palos, CA 93620

Phone: (209) 392-2161

MERCED

600 S. State Highway 59

Merced, CA 95341

Phone: (209) 383-5888

REDDING

2535 Ellis Street

Redding, CA 96001

Phone: (530) 245-9000

STOCKTON

1340 W. Charter Way

Stockton, CA 95206

Phone: (209) 944-5500

STRATFORD

20280 Main St.

Stratford, CA 93266

Phone: (559) 947-3301

TURLOCK

1215 West Glenwood Ave

Turlock, CA 95380-5703

Phone: (209) 634-1777

WILLOWS

827 North Tehama St

Willows, CA 95988

Phone: (530) 934-3382

YUBA CITY

3056 Colusa Highway Yuba City, CA 95993

Phone: (530) 923-7675

NEVADA

RENO/SPARKS

1455 Glendale Ave. Sparks, NV 89431

Phone: (775) 358-5000

From loaders to excavators, N&S Tractor has all your CASE Construction equipment needs covered. Visit one of our locations today and put power, reliability, and performance to work for you.

OREGON

HARRISBURG

230 Sommerville Avenue

Harrisburg, OR 97446

Phone: (541) 995-2262

HILLSBORO

185 W Main St. Ext.

Hillsboro, OR 97123

Phone: (503) 648-4178

MADRAS

36 NW A Street

Madras, OR 97741

Phone: (541) 475-2253

RICKREALL

9055 Rickreall Road

Rickreall, OR 97371

Phone: (503) 363-2332

WOODBURN

2929 N. Pacific Highway Woodburn, OR 97071

Phone: (503) 981-0151

888-246-0892

NSTRACTOR.COM

First Segment Focuses on Lakeview Avenue Interchange

Three-Part Project

Segment 1 ($141 million) focuses on the Lakeview Avenue Interchange and the immediate area.

Work includes adding a new signalized drop ramp from Lakeview Avenue that connects directly to the southbound S.R. 55 lanes; realigning the existing Lakeview on-ramp to feed only westbound S.R. 91; separating westbound S.R. 91 and southbound S.R. 55 traffic to streamline traffic movement further; and reconstructing the Lakeview bridge to feature standard-width lanes, shoulders and sidewalks in each direction to better accommodate vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

Segment 3 ($257 million) focuses on the S.R. 91/S.R. 57 Interchange. The work, which commences in early 2026, is being done by OHLA.

Crews are reconstructing the La Palma Avenue bridge to include standard-width lanes, shoulders, sidewalks and bike lanes in both directions; adding a bypass ramp for the northbound S.R. 57 Orangethorpe Avenue off-ramp before S.R. 91, eliminating the need to merge across multiple lanes at the interchange; extending the auxiliary lane from southbound S.R. 57 to westbound S.R. 91 to the Raymond Avenue/East Street off-ramp to improve traffic flow; and improving the westbound S.R. 91 to the northbound and southbound S.R. 57 connectors.

That section should be completed in mid-2029.

A general contractor for Segment 2 ($381 million) hasn’t been named. Crews will add a new eastbound generalpurpose lane and reconstruct the Kraemer Boulevard and Tustin Avenue overcrossings to include standard lanes, shoulders and sidewalks in each direction.

The bridges and interchange work is impacting the S.R. 91/S.R. 55 Interchange, Lakeview Avenue Bridge, Tustin Avenue Bridge, Glassell Street/Kraemer Boulevard Bridge, La Palma Avenue Bridge, State College Boulevard Undercrossing and the S.R. 91/S.R. 57 Interchange.

“The primary challenge was designing geometry to allow sequencing the construction to maintain the existing generalpurpose lanes and the tolled express lanes on S.R. 91,” Carpenter said. “The roadway and structure geometry were adjusted to minimize the impact on traffic while maximizing the available space for construction. While some lane width reductions are necessary, the number of mainline and express lanes is maintained.”

The roadway pavement has a lifespan of 40 years. The structure has a lifespan of approximately 75 years, with scheduled inspections and maintenance. The project was designed to meet projected traffic demand for approximately 20 years.

Precast Girders Used

The project is using spliced, precast girders.

“Due to the span lengths and vertical clearance limitations, precast girders were chosen,” Carpenter said. “However, the span lengths were too long for continuous girders to be transported to the site, requiring the girders to be spliced inplace on the bridge bents. Also, we are using rapid-strength concrete in areas that are appropriate with applications to expedite curing time and open the ramps to the public as quickly as possible.”

Crews have kept busy.

A Jan. 19 construction update noted that crews were pouring concrete and backfill columns and forming retaining walls and abutments to support the new Lakeview Avenue

bridge.

For the sound walls, crews poured concrete and placed blocks.

Segment 1 began in mid-April 2025 with the placement of construction signs along the median of the S.R. 91 and vegetation removal (three weeks) along the westbound S.R. 91 on-ramp to Lakeview Avenue. The nighttime demolition of the center median of the Lakeview Avenue bridge followed.

Crews then demolished portions of the center median, performed striping work and removed overhead signage before demolishing the existing sound wall.

Staying On Schedule

Segment 1 is proceeding according to schedule.

“We are about one year into construction and, fortunately, the project has been going well and challenges we had are typical construction challenges with rain and field conditions — the kind of challenges that are built into the schedule and hard to fully predict until we are dealing with actual conditions in the field,” Carpenter said. “We try to do as much work during non-rush hour times to maximize traffic flow during those hours. With less traffic on the roadways, it’s often easier to focus on the tasks at hand without

inconveniencing drivers.”

The reconstructed Lakeview Ave. overcrossing will be 324 ft. long, with two to three southbound lanes (two southbound through lanes, one southbound right turn lane to southbound S.R. 55 and a southbound Class II bike lane) and four northbound lanes (two northbound through lanes, one northbound left turn lane to southbound S.R. 55 and one left turn lane to westbound S.R. 91). Each side has a bike lane and sidewalk.

“The bridge girders are precast, and the abutments and bents are being cast-in-place,” said Carpenter. “The new structure is being constructed using precast girders with a cast-in-place deck to avoid the need for falsework over S.R. 91.”

The existing structure will be demolished after the new one is completed.

“The plan is to demolish it over the course of four weekends and to remove the debris from the job site after each shift,” Carpenter said, adding that crews will use excavators with hydraulic breakers, concrete crushers, diamond wire saws and skid steer loaders with demolition attachments and concrete pulverizers. The reconstruction effort involves excavation, foundation drilling, grading, building retaining and sound walls, grading, pouring of concrete pavement, HMA paving, placing RCP for the drainage system and installing traffic signals.”

Equipment operators are using Cat loaders, Cat excavators and a variety of cranes.

The sound wall demolition and construction press forward.

“The debris from the demolition was removed from the adjacent area, stored in a stockpile area and was then processed,” Carpenter said.

Demolition crews are using hydraulic shears, crushers, angle grinders, reciprocating saws and demolition hammers. The new 16-in.-by-8-in.-by-8-in. sound wall is being built with concrete masonry units delivered on an as-needed basis. The construction crews are using forklifts, power saws, mason twine, blocking chisels, wire brushes, margin trowels, stonemason’s hammers and jointers.

The realigning of the westbound S.R. 91 on-ramp at Lakeview interchange also is proceeding.

“The roadway has rough-grade and fine-grade aspects,” Carpenter said. “Crews are pouring LCB and JPCP. The profile graph includes new JPCP pavement, and crews are installing traffic delineation.”

The addition of a new on-ramp from Lakeview connecting directly to S.R. 55 should take approximately seven months to complete.

“The MSE wall will be built for the drop ramp from Lakeview Ave bridge to WB S.R. 91 leading to SB S.R. 55,” said Carpenter.

Cat excavators, Cat loaders and FMC cranes are helping with the operations.

Following the completion of the drop ramp, the separation of westbound S.R. 91 and southbound S.R. 55 traffic will start.

The work is putting the equipment of Granite and its subcontractors to the test.

“The equipment is maintained periodically to ensure that it can be used on an ongoing basis,” Carpenter said. “The general contractor has an on-call mechanic. Regular maintenance ensures the equipment is consistently in good working order.”  CEG

(All photos courtesy of the Orange County Transportation Authority.)

Next Issue Closes May 6th

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