Fort Bragg – Caltrans joined state and local officials on Thursday to celebrate the completion of the Pudding Creek Bridge project, which will improve accessibility and safety for commuters, pedestrians and bikers. The $8.5 million Mendocino County project included $1.3 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Built in 1959, the 340-foot-long bridge was expanded to accommodate two 12-foot-wide lanes; two 8-foot-wide shoulders for bicyclists; two 6-foot pedestrian walkways; and upgraded bridge railings. The bridge project design features steel salmon artwork welded onto both bridge railings above Pudding Creek.
“The completion of this project provides improved bridge safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Matt Brady. “The Pudding Creek Bridge links Fort Bragg north along the scenic Mendocino Coast and this rehabilitation project will ensure the structural integrity of the bridge for years to come.”
The project also incorporates “Complete Streets” improvements, including new sidewalks connecting south to Elm Street and north to Pudding Creek Drive, new storm sewer drainage and the relocation Fort Bragg’s water and sanitary sewer lines to the sides of the bridge.
“The bridge upgrade is a much-needed improvement for the community and will increase the safety of our residents and visitors to the area,” said Fort Bragg Public Works Director John Smith. “We greatly appreciate Caltrans allowing us to place our utilities on the bridge, which will increase the resiliency of our public utilities.”
Officials said they appreciated the Fort Bragg community and motorists for their patience during the four nighttime road closures and controlled traffic, allowing for increased worker safety and reduced project duration.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared about equally between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
MCM Construction, Inc. was the contractor for the project. For more information, visit https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-projects/puddingcreekbridge.
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