
May 7, 2009. An informational open house sponsored by
Caltrans was held in Mendocino. Caltrans made the following points:
· Both
the Albion and Salmon Creek Bridges have safety and functionality scores
that make them candidates for replacement. There are no immediate safety
concerns, but substantial ongoing maintenance is required.
· The
specific safety issues with the Salmon Creek Bridge were not specified.
· The
Albion Bridge has a steel truss across the center section that is
sufficiently corroded that replacement in the not-too-distant future is
required. The truss section was salvaged from an existing bridge
(apparently in Oregon) because of the scarcity of steel during WW II when
the bridge was built.
· The
wooden timbers in the Albion Bridge are in good condition.
· The
existing bridges are “functionally obsolete.” When asked what this meant,
Mr. Fielder explained that they do not meet current standards in terms of
shoulder width and railing design. He also mentioned that they would like
to have a pedestrian walkway to accommodate the Coastal Trail.
· Among
the proposed alternatives presented for both the Albion and Salmon Creek
bridges was a concrete arch bridge very similar in design to the original
concrete arch bridges built in many places along Hwy 1, including Russian
Gulch.

·
Caltrans is in the early stages of a complex
and long process. It will be many years, perhaps 6 to 10 years, before
construction begins. However, the planning process is under way. Personnel
are assigned and working now on preparing initial studies and plans and
environmental reports.
The attendees clearly expressed
their desire to see the Albion Bridge repaired rather than replaced.
Full report on
the open house
Caltrans
website

May, 2009. The first step in the replacement process for these
bridges is a "informational open house" to be held by Caltrans on Thursday,
May 7, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mendocino Recreation and Community Center,
998 School St., Mendocino. Plans for the Albion River and Salmon Creek
Bridges will be presented.