September 15, 2005, Eureka. Caltrans' permit to replace the Greenwood Bridge on Highway 1 in Elk Village, Mendocino County, was set to be heard today by the California Coastal Commission. Because of overwhelming public and Commission staff sentiment for major changes in the bridge, the formal hearing on the project was delayed until December. Caltrans was directed to work with staff to make the changes that the public and the Elk community recommended. This was a major victory for preservation of scenic Highway 1.

The Commissioners listened to comments from the public, and at the end of the public presentation, five of the nine Commissioners spoke. All five supported the recommendations of the public, and two Commissioners specifically said they wanted to see arched elements in the pedestrian railings -- my  proposal for improving railing aesthetics.

As initially proposed by Caltrans, the new Greenwood Bridge would have two 8' shoulders, no sidewalk, and a new Caltrans railing that modifies the Noyo railing by adding three more horizontal rails to raise the height from 33" to 54". Additionally, Caltrans planned to build the new bridge inland from the existing bridge, requiring extensive cuts into hillsides bordering the road and over 500' of tall retaining walls.

 The favorable outcome at the Eureka meeting was significantly aided by the organized effort of local citizens in Elk and an informational campaign and alert mailing conducted on this website. Over 200 people responded to the alert mailing, letting the Commission know that the public strongly favored modifying the proposed design to protect coastal values.

Past experience teaches that Caltrans will not give up easily on its desire to build big, expressway style roads and bridges, but the sentiment of the Commission was overwhelmingly in favor of narrower shoulders, protected sidewalks, and aesthetically meritorious railings.

Getting the sentiments of the Commissioners clearly on the record at the Greenwood Bridge hearing was extremely important, because Caltrans has fast-tracked another even more crucial Mendocino County bridge for Commission's November 15 hearing. This bridge crosses the Ten Mile River north of Fort Bragg. The existing bridge has stunning views of the river and the coast. It is located in an extremely sensitive habitat area with rich biological diversity. The replacement project for this bridge needs to be done with great care and concern for the views and environment.