Caltrans I-5 Pump Station Upgrades

The I-5 Pump Station Upgrade is a major step forward in reinforcing Los Angeles’ flood control capabilities while ensuring resilient, modern infrastructure to support the current traveling public and the region’s growing urban demands. 

Purpose  

Designed to significantly enhance flood control and stormwater management, the upgrades improve both the capacity and efficiency of existing drainage infrastructure in the Los Angeles to Sun Valley corridor, while keeping the freeway free of flooding.   

Project Area  

This critical infrastructure improvement spans three (3) pump stations along  Interstate 5 (I-5) freeway—Humboldt Street, Glendale Boulevard, and Sheldon Street. 

Work  

The project scope includes the installation of six new high-capacity submersible drainage pumps—ranging from 20 to 60 horsepower—and one sump pump, all supported by comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and civil system upgrades.  

Work also involved the installation of new precast reinforced concrete box (RCB) culverts to increase stormwater storage, which required complex traffic coordination and closures of heavily traveled portions of Interstate 5. 

Civil enhancements encompassed new drainage connections, while mechanical upgrades included new piping systems, control valves, and fiberglass grates to improve safety and accessibility.  

The newly installed pumps are capable of operating independently during heavy rainfall, ensuring continued performance under high-demand conditions.  

Each station is now equipped with a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system, enabling remote control of pump operations, float level alarms, water level monitoring, intrusion detection, and maintenance diagnostics. 

Coordination  

Work was largely self-performed including the mechanical work. Close coordination with Caltrans and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) was required to manage testing, commissioning, and system integration.