The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin a major construction project on U.S. Route 101 today.
Caltrans plans to demolish and replace the northbound and southbound bridges that span the road. It will start with the demolition and rebuilding of the southern bridge, according to officials.
“The existing ones have internal structural issues and determined need to be replaced,” Caltrans spokesperson Genelle Padilla said to SFGATE.com.
The new bridges will be a single span, with no supporting columns underneath, according to Padilla. They also will feature upgrades to the pedestrian pathway and be 7-feet wider to better accommodate truck traffic, according to the Caltrans project plan.
As for traffic on U.S. 101, Padilla said that Caltrans will keep two lanes open in each direction. The short segment should have a minimal impact.
Although Caltrans officials say they don’t anticipate much traffic impact during the construction of the bridges, the stretch of road near Refugio is already a busy one as well as a spot where crashes are known to happen.
“We anticipate completing full replacement of both structures and all required contract work by the end of 2027,” Padilla said. “Yes, weather will be a factor, but we are hopeful to shorten the duration by working through the winters.”
Source: SFGATE, Caltrans
