Atwater Jordan Road at Atwater Canal Bridge Replacement Project

The Atwater Jordan Road at Atwater Canal Bridge Replacement Project, managed by the Merced County Department of Public Works, involves the replacement and widening of Bridge No. 39C-0286 over the Atwater Canal in unincorporated Merced County, California. The project aims to improve public safety by widening the existing bridge by approximately 10 feet along its current alignment to accommodate two 11-foot lanes and 3-foot shoulders on each side. Key construction elements include the installation of new concrete barrier bridge rails, the application of rock slope protection to the embankment to mitigate scour, and potential improvements to canal access roads. The project is funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program, with construction anticipated to occur between October 2027 and March 2028. Environmental compliance is being managed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with the lead agency issuing a Mitigated Negative Declaration. The project has undergone review by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other regulatory bodies to address impacts on biological resources, including special-status species such as the Swainson's hawk and northwestern pond turtle. Mitigation measures have been established to address air quality, noise, hydrology, and cultural resources. Administrative oversight is led by Supervising Engineer Alvaro Buenrostro, and the project is supported by GPA Consulting.