DEL REY OAKS >> Concrete approach slabs are curing this week for the Highway 218 bridge over the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway pedestrian and cyclist passageway as construction continues on the Canyon Del Rey segment of the trail project.

The 1.5-mile Canyon Del Rey segment is the first phase of the FORTAG project which is proposed to be an approximately 28-mile continuous 12-foot-wide paved bicycle and pedestrian trail with an open-space buffer on both sides.

Part of the work includes the construction of a bridge in Del Rey Oaks that will accommodate a portion of the FORTAG trail which will run under Highway 218, also known as Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, linking Work Memorial and Del Rey parks with the Frog Pond Wetland Preserve. It will enable hikers, cyclists and pedestrians to move freely under the roadway through a 10.5-foot-high passageway.

Approach slabs are the concrete sections that connect roadways to bridges, providing a smooth transition and reducing settlement issues.

The curing of concrete approach slabs refers to the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature and time to allow the concrete to properly hydrate and gain strength after placement.

This week’s work will also entail the continued forming, pouring concrete, removing forms and back filling for retaining walls and drainage systems in the Work Memorial Park area.

Access to Work Memorial Park, the Butterfly Garden and tennis courts is restricted during construction. The Frog Pond Wetland Preserve is closed for the remainder of stage 1 construction and is expected to reopen in October. Work Avenue between Saucito Avenue and Carlton Drive including the island will be closed through August. Construction this week will also see the continued grading, forming, installing rebar, pouring concrete and backfilling for sidewalks, ramps and retaining curbs along Plumas Avenue between Noche Buena and Highland streets in Seaside, as well as the continued grading, forming, installing rebar, pouring concrete and backfilling for sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ramps and retaining curbs along Carlton Drive in Del Rey Oaks, the continued drainage system improvements, removal of asphalt and grading along Work Avenue between Saucito Avenue and Carlton Drive, and pedestrian signing and striping improvements on Highway 218 at Work Avenue.

Construction of the Canyon Del Rey Segment of the FORTAG project is being done in phases and different areas of the project will be affected at different times, according to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County. As the project moves forward, residents and businesses will be provided additional notifications in advance of bridge foundation work (pile driving) and work that restricts driveway access. Construction is expected to last through August 2026. Work hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. No pile driving work is to occur once it’s dark out. The contractor’s plan is to limit the majority of work between 7 a.m.-5 p.m. When needed, night work hours are from 9 p.m.-6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, unless authorized for specific operations with advance notice. For information about the FORTAG project or to sign up for updates, visit https://www.tamcmonterey.org/fort-ord-regional-trail-greenway-canyon-del-rey, or email 79829@publicinput.com.