The Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) Oso Parkway Bridge Project was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County Branch as Outstanding Bridge Project of the Year at a virtual ceremony held Thursday.

The project, which celebrated its grand opening in January, enhances mobility for South Orange County residents and commuters by connecting the 241 Toll Road and Los Patrones Parkway. A new sidewalk and dedicated bike lanes improve safety for students and families traveling to Tesoro High School. Additionally, businesses in cities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente benefit from increased connectivity provided by the roadway.

“I am thrilled to see that the mobility and connectivity enhancements offered by the Oso Project Bridge Project are being recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This project has improved quality of life for South County residents. Despite the economic challenges prompted by the pandemic, TCA prioritized projects like this one that make a real difference in our residents’ everyday lives,” said San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency (SJHTCA) Chair Trish Kelley, Mayor of Mission Viejo.

The project is the culmination of a dynamic partnership between the Transportation Corridor Agencies, which funded the nearly $40 million project; OC Public Works, which oversaw construction; and Caltrans, which owns the 241 Toll Road. This project, which enhances mobility throughout the region, was funded by TCA with zero taxpayer dollars and zero new debt.

“The Oso Parkway Bridge Project was successful because of the collaboration and spirit of partnership demonstrated by the agencies involved. This type of cooperation is what our County needs to be at the forefront of mobility issues in our region and across the state,” said Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) Chair Peggy Huang, who serves as Mayor of Yorba Linda. “TCA is able to bring projects like this to fruition thanks to sound financial planning and a history of fiscal responsibility that has kept the Agencies on solid footing.”

The American Society of Civil Engineers Orange County Branch is part of a global civil engineering community. The local branch is the fourth largest in the organization, with over 2,500 members in Orange County. Every year, the ASCE branch invites nominations for project and individual awards that recognize civil engineering projects and professionals for their achievements, according to the organization’s website.

“I’m incredibly proud of our project delivery team at TCA. Juliet Su, our Director of Design and Construction, served as the TCA lead for the project. This honor is a direct result of the team’s dedicated efforts over the past two years,” said TCA CEO Samuel Johnson. “Our Agencies are committed to improving mobility and supporting partnerships. This award highlights the range of great things TCA is doing: From fiscal responsibility and innovative funding to regional partnerships for mobility improvements to diversity and inclusionary practices that benefit all, TCA continues to make contributions to Orange County’s quality of life.”

To view the virtual grand opening, which includes a unique virtual ribbon-toss ceremony that garnered a record-setting number of views for The Toll Roads, visit YouTube.com/TheTollRoadsOC. For more information on the project, including a fact sheet, photos, map and timeline, visit https://thetollroads.com/oso-parkway-bridge-grand-opening.

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) are two joint powers authorities formed by the California Legislature in 1986 to plan, finance, construct and operate Orange County’s public toll road system comprised of the 73, 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads.