Bridge Street Bridge Rehabilitation

Located in the center of Arroyo Grande’s downtown corridor and built in 1908, the existing Bridge Street Bridge was a functionally obsolete and structurally deficient steel truss bridge that was designated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2012, the bridge became eligible for replacement or rehabilitation through the Highway Bridge Program. The Consor team prepared a project feasibility report for presentation to the public that summarized preliminary engineering alternatives for both rehabilitation and replacement. The community rallied in support of rehabilitating this century-old, historically eligible bridge instead of replacing it. Their organized support was the nexus for reprogramming the project as a rehabilitation effort.

A significant rehabilitation plan was developed to revitalize and strengthen historic elements, while maintaining the finding of No Adverse Effect status. This effort involved constructing complex new steel supplemental truss and rehabilitating the existing steel truss. A temporary pedestrian bridge provided access through the project site while carrying utilities that had to remain in service throughout construction—maintaining access for pedestrians was critical for local businesses and key to allowing the full road closure. Thanks to close collaboration with the City and key stakeholders, Caltrans support and guidance, and a successful partnership between the Consor design and construction management team and the contractor, this bridge was restored to its familiar aesthetic while improving its safety and longevity.