CALTRANS NEWS

News

Groundbreaking for Martins Ferry Bridge Repairs

By Julie East

Though Martins Ferry Bridge is off the beaten path for most Californians, the bridge is an important lifeline for area residents heading to Route 169 in Northern California. So when a Caltrans bridge inspection team found an adjacent landslide had impacted the structure and the County of Humboldt had to close the bridge in December 2007, the 100-mile detour severely impacted the community.

Caltrans staff quickly met with County of Humboldt, Yurok Tribe, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and Federal Highway Administration representatives to upgrade a shorter 50-mile detour on Dowd Road and expedite development of bridge repairs.

Photo by Julie East, District 1 Humboldt County Public Works Director Tom Mattson (left) and Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director, addressed a group at Martins Ferry Bridge on March 19

Caltrans also helped the county get more than $8 million in Federal Emergency Relief funding for the detour and repair project. “I am very pleased that Caltrans could be a part of the solution to finding a way to repair the bridge quickly,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 Director.

Humboldt County Director of Public Works Tom Mattson hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this achievement on March 19 at Martins Ferry Bridge. LaBecca Nessier, Yurok Tribe emergency services coordinator, and Kevin Orcutt, Hoopa Valley tribal roads interim director, both spoke about the teamwork involved in the repair effort.

Graphic designed by James Dougan, Assistant Graphic Designer

This project is an example of how county, state and federal governments can work with the community to get the job done! Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this project a reality.

Local residents also expressed support and appreciation for the project. Construction is expected to be completed by
June 1, 2008.

Back to Home