Project Description

DYA provided geotechnical services for a new pedestrian bridge from the southeast corner to the northwest corner of Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive.  The bridge will be located adjacent to the Metro Red Line Universal/Studio City Station entrance and will cross both Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive.  Pedestrian circulation from the proposed Bridge will tie into the existing subway station through the existing METRO stairs, elevator, and escalator, located on the south side of the existing mezzanine level at the northwest corner of Lankershim Boulevard. and Campo De Cahuenga.

The preliminary plans provided by Metro showed the proposed bridge supported on shallow foundations.  However, based on existing geotechnical data near the site, the soft clays and liquefiable sands at the site are likely not suitable for shallow foundations.  DYA anticipated that the new structures will be supported on deep foundations consisting of cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles.  DYA evaluated the use of both deep and shallow foundations during design after a site specific field exploration hadbeen performed, using AASHTO and Metro design guidelines..

Because of the proximity of the bridge to existing structures, the proposed improvements may require excavations near existing utilities and building foundations.  Therefore, shoring or protection for the existing foundations will likely be required.  The project design also needed to consider the impact of the proposed foundations onto the existing adjacent structures.

Matthew R. Dennerline, PE – Geotechnical Manager

Christopher M. Diaz, PE, GE – Geotechnical Principal