Building Bridges: Napa County Photo Of The Day

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Napa County posted this photo May 30 on social media of the new Partrick Road Bridge.

The county expected the last six pieces would be installed the following day, Friday, May 31, along with new decking and railings. As long as all ran smoothly, the county anticipated the bridge would open to traffic late in the day on May 31.

The original bridge near 1500 Partrick Road was damaged in the 2014 South Napa Earthquake. Cracks in the concrete abutments and masonry stone joints prompted the county to install a temporary bridge that served well but was not a permanent solution.

The permanent bridge is set on a permanent foundation and has a minimal design lifespan of 50 years. It is 18 feet wide —4 feet wider than the temporary bridge — and is coated with a non-slip surface that can be paved over if needed.

To avoid extensive permitting for the historic bridge, the goal was to stay mostly over the existing roadway and outside the creek. The county did a biological and historical resources review and FEMA cleared it.

The county considered other alternatives such as building a temporary bridge to detour traffic but that would have resulted in significant unavoidable environmental impacts and increased costs. Needless to say, that plan was rejected by FEMA.

It's Your Shot: Pictures You Take and We Share

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