Project Spotlight: Hunter and Panther Creek Bridge in Del Norte County

Yurok Tribe plays a partnership role in modernization of U.S. Highway 101 span north of Klamath

Modernization, pedestrian safety, improved wildlife migration and community involvement all featured prominently in a bridge replacement late this spring in the far reaches of northwest California.

On June 11, Caltrans 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 The $34 million project replaced outdated bridges that were narrow, did not meet current seismic standards and were past their 50-year design life.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. Periodic short delays occurred throughout the rest of the month to allow 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.

The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (Senate Bill 1, or SB1) funded about 85 percent of the project, contributing approximately $29.1 million. Additionally, a five-year follow-up mitigation project, costing around $430,000, focuses on post-construction revegetation and monitoring. The planning document for this project was approved in 2013, and it was programmed in 2014. The environmental phase concluded in 2018, followed by the completion of the design phase in 2019. Construction began in October 2020 and was finished in June 2024.

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. 

Caltrans’ goal with the project was to provide a safe and reliable transportation network component that serves all people and respects the environment. The Hunter and Panther Creek Bridge Replacement Project exemplifies those values while fostering partnerships with local communities.

According to Caltrans District 1 Project Manager David Melendrez, the project reflects years of planning and collaboration among Caltrans, the Yurok Tribe and other partners. “We are proud to deliver infrastructure that supports safety, reliability and mobility needs in our community,” Melendrez said.

Caltrans North Region Area Construction Engineer Clayton Malmberg added that despite challenges such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and worksite challenges, Caltrans and contractor Golden State Bridge persevered to successfully complete the bridges.

“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.” 

Source: Myles Cochrane, District 1 public information officer