SR 12 Laguna De Santa Rosa Bridge Replacement

[andy3175]

This very old bridge is in line for replacement along SR 12 over Laguna De Santa Rosa.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/12santarosabridge/

In June 2015 Caltrans began construction on State Route 12 at the Laguna de Santa Rosa bridge. Over two construction seasons Caltrans will replace the existing Laguna de Santa Rosa Bridge on State Route 12 with a new two-lane bridge that complies with the current Caltrans roadway standards of 12 ft. lanes and 8 ft. shoulders. In addition, there will be 7 ft. sidewalks on both sides of the highway (on the bridge). One-half of the bridge will be constructed in one season; traffic will be shifted to the new bridge; demolition will take place on the old bridge; then the final portion will be built in the second construction season. The majority of the work will take place during the day, but residents may notice increased noise from construction and mandatory backup alarms. Construction is expected to be complete in 2017.

The local newspaper has a picture of the bridge and a bit more historical information:

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4911795-181/highway-12-to-close-outside?ref=related

The existing Laguna Bridge is being replaced because of underwater scouring and erosion. The 220-foot bridge, which spans the Laguna de Santa Rosa, was built in 1921 and widened in 1949. ... The bridge replacement is a $9 million project. More than 23,000 vehicles cross the span on an average day. The construction season is limited to between June 15 and Oct. 15 because of environmental regulations related to the Laguna's sensitive wildlife habitat.

[nexus73]

Should have built two 2-lane bridges.  It's not like California is our nation's most populous state with more coming in after all!  Santa Rosa will see their share of population increase and that means more people spreading out along SR 12.  Think ahead Caltrans!

Rick

[roadfro]

Should have built two 2-lane bridges.  It's not like California is our nation's most populous state with more coming in after all!  Santa Rosa will see their share of population increase and that means more people spreading out along SR 12.  Think ahead Caltrans!

Rick

It's not like they can't add a second bridge later...

California has a lot of transportation needs and not a lot of money, so it might not be in Caltrans' best interest to build something now for a demand that isn't immediate and may take a while to materialize. Would make sense to secure necessary right of way and plan as if they'll need it though.

[nexus73]

Should have built two 2-lane bridges.  It's not like California is our nation's most populous state with more coming in after all!  Santa Rosa will see their share of population increase and that means more people spreading out along SR 12.  Think ahead Caltrans!

Rick

It's not like they can't add a second bridge later...

California has a lot of transportation needs and not a lot of money, so it might not be in Caltrans' best interest to build something now for a demand that isn't immediate and may take a while to materialize. Would make sense to secure necessary right of way and plan as if they'll need it though.

Given the ever increasing costs of doing anything regarding building roads, this is the time to do the job as it will only cost more later.  Some bridges in Oregon were built with an eye to the future.  That kind of procedure should be mandatory where people in large numbers live.  Common sense and all that.  Just sayin'....

Rick

[andy3175]

Should have built two 2-lane bridges.  It's not like California is our nation's most populous state with more coming in after all!  Santa Rosa will see their share of population increase and that means more people spreading out along SR 12.  Think ahead Caltrans!

Rick

I checked what appears to be the most recent transportation project/funding plan list:

http://www.sctainfo.org/comprehensive-transportation-plan.htm

http://www.sctainfo.org/pdf/transportation_needs_details_city_20150903.pdf

I didn't find a project to double the bridge on SR 12 at Laguna De Santa Rosa, but I did find some other bridge projects (mostly rehabilitations) in the county. Each project indicates whether the project would expand capacity on the facility, whether it's a bike lane, bridge, major roadway, local roadway, transit, etc. There is some money allocated elsewhere on the SR 12 corridor.

Although not on topic, the Sonoma County transportation project list addresses the ongoing improvements to the US 101 narrows and a potential toll facility on a four-lane viaduct on SR 37 (Mare Island to Sears Point).