On June 11, Caltrans District 1 celebrated the completion of the Hunter and Panther Creek Bridge Replacement Project along U.S. Highway 101 north of Klamath in Del Norte County. The project replaced outdated bridges that were narrow, did not meet current seismic standards, and were past their 50-year design life. The new bridges feature wider lanes, separated pedestrian paths, fewer piers in the water, and a pedestrian railing design created in collaboration with the Yurok Tribe, enhancing safety, accessibility, and aesthetics.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also celebrated the resumption of two-way traffic in the area. However, there may be periodic short delays throughout the rest of the month for finishing touches.
Notably, the Panther Creek Bridge, a steel-tied arch bridge, is the first of its kind in District 1, designed without piers in the water to protect juvenile Coho salmon and other aquatic species. Additionally, the Hunter Creek Bridge design reduced the number of piers in the creek to only one, minimizing impacts to the Klamath River tributary.
Funded primarily by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1, or SB1), the project received approximately $29.1 million from SB1. A subsequent five-year, $430,000 mitigation project will focus on post-construction revegetation and monitoring.
The project also featured a Memorandum of Understanding with the Yurok Tribe to ensure environmental and cultural considerations were integrated throughout the construction process. Additionally, a change order facilitated the installation of broadband middle mile conduit, paving the way for improved digital connectivity for the Yurok Tribal Office.
“Our mission is to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment, said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “The Hunter and Panther Creek Bridge Replacement Project exemplifies these values while fostering partnerships with local communities.”
“This project reflects years of planning and collaboration between Caltrans, the Yurok Tribe, and our partners,” said Caltrans District 1 Project Manager David Melendrez. “We are proud to deliver infrastructure that supports safety, reliability, and mobility needs in our community.”
“Despite challenges such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and worksite challenges, our team, including our contractors Golden State Bridge, persevered,” said Caltrans North Region Area Construction Engineer Clayton Malmberg. “The successful completion of these bridges is a testament to their hard work and commitment,” said Malmberg.
“The new bridges honor our teamwork and protect culturally vital species such as Coho salmon,” said Yurok Tribal Council Member Ryan Ray, who also offered a blessing for the new bridges. “This project is a model of how collaboration can lead to outcomes that benefit all.”
Contact: myles.cochrane@dot.ca.gov
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