Caltrans Releases Draft Environmental Document for Albion River Bridge Project
Press release from Caltrans District 1:
Caltrans is proud to announce the much-anticipated release of the draft environmental document for the Albion River Bridge Project, marking a major milestone in our infrastructure development efforts to improve roadway safety and efficiency on State Route 1 along the Mendocino Coast.
Design 1B is one of several proposed bridge designs (View looking west)
The Albion River Bridge, built in 1944 during World War II, is a wood truss bridge that does not meet current structural design standards, lacks safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians, and is functionally obsolete. To address these concerns, Caltrans has introduced several bridge alternatives that meet modern seismic safety standards, provide safe and reliable access for all users, and minimize ongoing maintenance costs.
Focused on meeting the Mendocino Coast’s long-term transportation needs, Caltrans is pleased to share the Albion River Bridge Project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation that identifies the project’s potential impacts and potential avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures.
“Our top priority is safety and this project will ensure that we provide a safe and reliable bridge across the Albion River for all travelers,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Matt Brady. “The bridge serves as a critical transportation infrastructure for the North Coast, connecting over 3,000 motorists to jobs, public services, and access to local tourism destinations.”
Proposed bridge deck design with pedestrian walkway (View looking west)
The document is available for review at albionriverbridgeproject.com and at the Caltrans District 1 Office at 1656 Union Street in Eureka on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as at the Mendocino Community Library at 10591 William Street in Mendocino and at the Fort Bragg Branch of the Mendocino County Library at 499 East Laurel Street in Fort Bragg. Comments on this document are being accepted by mail or email until September 9, 2024.
The public is invited to attend a Public Meeting for this project on Tuesday, August 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Whitesboro Grange, located at 32510 Navarro Ridge Road in Albion. Staff will give a presentation and answer questions related to the project. Comments can also be submitted to [email protected].
After the public circulation period, all comments will be considered, and Caltrans will select a preferred alternative.
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
Functionally obsolete? I drive over this all the time. It works perfectly as a bridge.
Y’all just want to spend our tax money on random shit I swear.
“Functionally Obsolete” is a term the FHWA & Caltrans bridge engineers used to mean a bridge doesn’t meet current standards for things like width, alignment, etc. Caltrans may still use the term, although the feds dropped it years ago. It doesn’t mean the bridge is no longer functional. In fact, it doesn’t mean much at all, since they also append all the reasons the bridge is functionally obsolete, when they use the term. It’s a flag they wave, when they want to justify a bridge replacement or modification, and they put the flag away when they’re not actively trying to replace a bridge.
Having said all that, the Albion bridge is a picturesque poster child for the “Old Bridges on California Highways that Should be Replaced Club”. The bridge is very narrow, and the wooden elements require expensive maintenance & monitoring. I can’t remember if it’s ok, seismically.
On a side note… when Caltrans spends big bucks in “rural” counties (Humboldt, Del Norte, etc), they’re spending tax money collected from San Diego, LA, Fresno, Oakland, etc. – not so much from “us”. It’s sort of an unintended income redistribution. 🙂
They don’t want you driving over it. They want you riding or walking.
The bridge is older than God.
It’s made of wood,and it’s last wooden bridge on the whole California Highway 1..
That’s nice,but would you like to be on it during an earthquake?
It’s on a stretch of road that 1000’s of tourists cars cross over each year,sometimes almost bumper to bumper.
As pretty as it is,it’s a catastrophe waiting to happen.
the Albion bridge is a beautiful bridge
Is the maple creek bridge on 271 still the wooden bridge ,or is that one been replaced? it’s been years since i’ve been in that area