Michael Baker International, a global engineering and consulting firm, has secured a contract from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to conduct a study on the I-605/SR-91 interchange, and identify improvements and widen the congested three-mile road stretch of westbound SR-91 in Los Angeles, California.

As per the terms of the $7.6m contract, Michael Baker's team will be working towards reduction of traffic congestion; improving safety, as well as traffic mobility; modernising interchange operations; and minimising right-of way, environmental and economic impacts.

Michael Baker International senior-vice president and west region director Anna Lantin said: "The significant congestion on the I-605/SR-91 system interchange is expected to increase in the future if physical and operational improvements aren't made to the roadways.

"The significant congestion on the I-605/SR-91 system interchange is expected to increase in the future."

"Michael Baker's expertise designing highway infrastructure to reduce congestion, enhance safety and operations and minimize environmental impact, will ensure We Make a Difference for the community and region by improving the livelihood of commuters and making freeways safer to promote more efficient movement of goods across Southern California."

The project works include study of westbound SR-91 from the vicinity of Shoemaker Avenue to the I-605/SR-91 interchange, and improvements to the Norwalk, Pioneer and Bloomfield local interchanges within the Gateway Cities.

The Michael Baker team has identified that congestion in this area is mainly due to the inadequate capacity of the SR-91 freeway mainline, as well as the existing two lane connector for the westbound SR-91 to northbound and southbound I-605.

The team also identified that the closely spaced freeway entrance and exit ramps are also one of the primary reasons for the traffic congestion in these areas.

Michael Baker Southern California transportation practice lead Steve Huff said: "Michael Baker's thorough understanding of the project since its inception lets us advance it at full speed.

"In this way, our unique knowledge of the corridor's issues and challenges identified in the feasibility study will aid us in analysing and identifying the necessary improvements."

The approval phase for this project is scheduled to complete by March next year and the construction works are expected to begin in 2021.