[UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: Could Open at 8 p.m., Says Caltrans] Historic Fernbridge May Reopen Today
Highway 211 was closed at Fernbridge after structural damage was detected on the bridge of the same name which was built in 1911 and has survived several floods and earthquakes.
The historic and beloved Fernbridge (AKA the Queen of Bridges) closed after damage was discovered following yesterday’s early morning earthquake may reopen today according to Caltrans.
[Photo by Caltrans]
![[Photo by Caltrans]](https://kymkemp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Inspection-of-Fernbridge-following-earthquake.png)
Inspection of Fernbridge following earthquake. [Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
[Photo by Caltrans]
UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: Caltrans is offering a timetable to reopen the beloved bridge. They released a statement saying,
State Route 211 at Fernbridge in Humboldt County is expected to reopen as early as 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. Crews will be on-site to control the flow of traffic on both ends of the bridge.
“Thanks very much to the residents that use Fernbridge for their patience,” said Caltrans Resident Engineer Tai Morgan-Marbet. “Please plan extra time into your route in anticipation of delays in the area. For the first couple of days, we’ll have flaggers conducting one-way traffic control, and eventually, we’re looking at using a temporary signal. Please be alert and follow prompts patiently and safely.” Morgan-Marbet added the bridge will still accommodate its typical sizes of trucks.
The bridge was closed following a magnitude 6.4 earthquake centered near Ferndale in the early morning of Dec. 20. District 1 engineers conducted an initial inspection and observed damage to the bridge’s underlying structure and the bridge deck. The bridge was closed until additional inspections could be conducted in daylight. All other nearby bridges, overcrossings, and roadways in the district remained open following inspections.
A team from the Structure Maintenance and Investigations unit at Caltrans Headquarters was dispatched to conduct a complete inspection of the bridge. That team determined repairs could be made with one-way control traffic in place.
Emergency funding in the amount of $6 million was allocated for initial repairs, which have already begun. Crews worked throughout the day to repave damaged parts of the roadway and add additional support to the bridge’s approaches to allow for reopening.
Caltrans District 1 will continue to update the community on any changes in traffic control or road closures through social media, quickmap.dot.ca.gov, and the QuickMap app. Follow Caltrans District 1 on Facebook and Twitter.
About Fernbridge
Fernbridge on State Route 211 is a concrete arch bridge crossing the Eel River that first opened in 1911. At 1,320 feet long, it is the longest poured concrete bridge still operating in the world and serves as the main connector between the town of Ferndale and U.S. 101. The bridge has withstood numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes, and floods.
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Much as I love that bridge, “The Queen”should be retired and pass the title on to another bridge….
She has served us well thru the years. Let’s let her rest..
Ever since I first crossed Fernbridge in 1968 I felt a new bridge was necessary. However, I would keep “The Queen” as a pedestrian/bicycle bridge.
Tear it down, build a safer bridge with a bicycle lane please.
Tractors, trucks, etc are continuing to get larger not smaller – we need a safer wider bridge that can accommodate modern vehicles and tractors.
Why they are at it, put one in at Alton as a secondary way out of Cowtown.
I was quite young when the ’64 Christmas floods happened (58 years ago!).
One thing I do remember was that Fernbridge stood when all the other bridges were destroyed and all that debris was coming down the flooded rivers. It was a lifeline for those in Rio Dell and south.
I’d hate to see it just torn down with a Meh. attitude. Much respect for for that ancient bridge. I do remember hearing that Fernbridge was going to be condemned and then, well you know, it was the only bridge left standing. That may have been someone not giving me the story straight, though. 🙂
I so agree but have an alternative idea. Build a new bridge beside it with wider lanes to be safer. But use the old bridge for pedestrians, cyclists, horses etc. The bridge is a historic landmark and a tourist attraction. Let people continue to photograph it, paint it in pictures and remember her history……how she stood when others failed.
So true. Fernbridge has been amazingly resilient for over a century. My only question is whether it happened to be built right on top of a fault line.
The newer bridges all fell in ’64…
Just extend 36 straight across river from Alton to Ferndale
Hey, it’s impolite to be pointing at me!
That bridge was built in 1911 and is the longest continuous poured concrete bridge with a length of 1,320′. I truly believe it is time for its retirement and replaced with a new much wider and safer bridge that passes all the legal codes. It is a must have bridge for the folks coming from and going to Ferndale. As they found out, the Blue Slide Road was not passable do to damage it received from the earthquake. This left them land locked.