Water Street Bridge NBI #797 Strengthening

Project # SSHWY00496

This state-funded project will repair the Water Street Bridge to strengthen it and remove weight limits and parking restrictions.

The project will repair the existing bridge, which has deteriorated due to coastal conditions. As the rust spreads, the steel in the bridge expands and sections of concrete break loose. This is known as spalling. Over the years, more of the superstructure has been exposed. As a result, there are now weight limits in place on the bridge.

The bridge must be repaired and strengthened in order to return it to good working condition and extend its lifespan. Without repairs, deterioration will continue.

Work on this project includes:

• Repairing and replacing missing concrete
• Bridge strengthening using chrome bars embedded lengthwise along the concrete beams

Our project staff is currently working on finalizing the project plans. Plan development is anticipated to be concluded by February 2024 with construction projected to begin as early as spring/summer of 2024.

There will be a temporary closure of the parking lane located on the north side of Water Street between Bauer Way and Schoenbar Road, and there may be temporary closures of Bauer Way or Hopkins Street in the vicinity of the Bauer Way - Hopkins Street intersection.

Government agencies sometimes need to acquire additional property rights for public projects. The Uniform Act (49 CFR Part 24) is used to assure equitable treatment to property owners and that just compensation is provided for any additional property rights. The Right of Way section will reach out directly to any property owners whose property, or a portion of property, is necessary for the construction of the project. The Right of Way Acquisitions Brochure explains the rights and benefits of property owners whose real property is to be acquired.

The environmental review process is underway to identify potential project impacts to the human and natural environment.

A public notice was published June 17-July 17, 2023. An updated public notice was published on Nov. 28, 2023.