“This project is the first phase of construction for the new IWMF and will reconstruct and enhance the roadway from the interchange to the proposed future access point into the Los Flores property,” city staff said in a report to the council.

The project calls for significant earthwork, roadway improvements on the eastside of the highway and erosion control facilities, along with construction of the first leg of the entry road to the landfill.

Two new access gates also will be built.

This is just one step toward getting the new landfill ready for accepting trash, city staff said. Future projects include a joint pavement project with the city and Caltrans, and phased construction of the future landfill, including onsite roads and facilities such as scales and a scale house.

Seven firms submitted bids for the project’s first phase with Santa Maria-based J.F. Will Co. as the lowest at $1,158,386.