Rancho Del Mar Pavement and Utility Improvements Project

 

Location

Rancho Del Mar subdivision, American Canyon

City or County Responsible for Project

City of American Canyon

Category

Roads: Efficient and Sustainable Road Maintenance, Construction and Reconstruction Projects.

Description

The Rancho Del Mar Paving and Utility Improvements Project revitalized one of American Canyon’s oldest neighborhoods, originally developed in the 1950s. Decades of deferred maintenance had left streets in poor condition and water and sewer systems outdated, creating challenges for safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure reliability. This project addressed these needs comprehensively, transforming the neighborhood’s streets while setting a model for sustainable, cost-effective infrastructure rehabilitation.

The project’s approach combined innovation and sustainability. On Rio Del Mar, 2,395 linear feet of roadway underwent Full-Depth Reclamation with Cement (FDR-C), recycling 100% of the existing asphalt and base course in place. This method reduced landfill waste, conserved natural resources, and lowered the project’s carbon footprint compared to traditional “remove and replace” techniques. In addition, 9,530 linear feet of streets received asphalt rubber cape seal, a proven, cost-effective treatment that incorporates recycled tire rubber and extends pavement life by 8-10 years. Together, these treatments improved both structural and environmental performance.

The project also delivered critical utility upgrades. New water mains (6,761 linear feet), cured-in-place sewer lining (7,509 linear feet) and 24 ADA-compliant curb ramps were installed. Approximately 500 linear feet of new sidewalk, curb and gutter, was constructed, which completed a gap in pedestrian access along the Rio Del Mar corridor. These improvements enhanced accessibility, supported active transportation and reduced the need for future street excavations — minimizing disruption and preserving investment in the newly improved streets.

The outcomes are measurable and lasting. Rio Del Mar’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) started at 10 and after full reconstruction, increased to 100. The surrounding streets received treatments that extend their service life by nearly a decade. Safety, accessibility, and sustainability improvements are now fully integrated into the neighborhood, providing visible, verifiable benefits to residents and users of the street system.

The project’s success was the result of strong collaboration among Bennett Engineering (design), Ghilotti Construction Company (construction), utility partners (PG&E, AT&T, Comcast) and in-house City staff (construction management and inspection), with funding from Measure U, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and local enterprise funds. This collaboration ensured the project was delivered efficiently, within budget and with maximum value for the community.

By combining innovative pavement treatments, sustainable construction practices and critical utility upgrades, the Rancho Del Mar project demonstrates how municipalities can rehabilitate aging infrastructure in a way that is safe, durable, environmentally responsible, and replicable. American Canyon’s approach provides a measurable, long-term model for cities across California seeking to preserve streets, improve safety and maximize the impact of infrastructure investments.