Bollinger Canyon – Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing

Bollinger Canyon - Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing

Shimmick led construction of the Bollinger Canyon–Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing, a landmark infrastructure project that transformed safety and connectivity along one of the East Bay’s most heavily traveled corridors. By eliminating at-grade crossings over the eight-lane Bollinger Canyon Road, the new six-span, cable-stayed pedestrian and bicycle bridge provides a safer, more accessible connection for the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who rely on the Iron Horse Trail each day.

Beyond improving mobility, the project strengthens regional connectivity across the East Bay’s 32-mile trail network while enhancing the surrounding community through ADA-accessible design, landscape improvements, and thoughtfully integrated infrastructure.

Delivering the 950-foot-long structure required extensive coordination, precision engineering, and carefully planned construction operations, including the transport and installation of bridge sections fabricated in Washington. From complex crane picks to the exact placement of the steel center pylon, the project showcases Shimmick’s ability to safely and efficiently execute highly visible infrastructure with lasting community impact.

Project Details

Location

San Ramon, CA

Contract Value

$21.6M

Delivery Method

CM/GC

Client Name

Contra Costa Transportation Authority

Duration

April 2023 – July 2025

Project Highlights & Unique Aspects

  • Awards: California Transportation Foundation award for Active Transportation Project of the Year, ACEC Honor Award, Nor Cal APWA 2026 Overall Project of the Year, Nor Cal APWA 2026 Transportation ($25 Million to $75 Million) Project of the Year, and the 2026 Overall Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project.
  • Precision Engineering: Custom anchor‑bolt templates ensure a flawless fit for prefabricated steel components.
  • Accessibility: Continuous ADA-compliant slopes maintained over the full 950-foot bridge length.
  • Ahead of Schedule: Bridge set and cable tensioning completed 2.5 months early
  • Environmental Sustainability: 7,500+ plants added to enhance the landscape and enhance sustainability.

Shimmick's Role & Expertise

  • Preconstruction & CM/GC Delivery: As Shimmick’s first CM/GC project, this collaboration with JV partner Myers and Sons aligned engineering, procurement, and construction from the outset, enabling the successful delivery of a complex structure.
  • Bridge Construction: Erected the architectural steel superstructure, tensioned stay cables, and set concrete deck panels with exacting precision under tight spatial and traffic constraints.
  • Public Interface & Coordination: Delivered construction within a high-traffic business corridor, coordinating with the City of San Ramon to manage detours, communications, and stakeholder outreach.

Project Impact

  • Safety & Mobility: Eliminated at-grade crossings, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Traffic Efficiency: Reduced delays and improved traffic flow along Bollinger Canyon Road
  • Active Transportation: Strengthened access to schools, businesses, and neighborhoods along the Iron Horse Trail
Delivering complex infrastructure that’s built to last is what Shimmick does best. The Bollinger Canyon–Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing reflects our commitment to building safer, more connected, and more sustainable communities. From early planning to final execution, this project demonstrates what is possible when technical precision meets strong collaboration.