Cottonwood Road at Outside Canal Bridge Replacement Project

Merced County, in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation, is undertaking the Cottonwood Road at Outside Canal Bridge Replacement Project in Gustine, California. The project involves replacing the structurally deficient Bridge No. 39C-0114 with a new structure that meets current design standards and is capable of carrying legal and permit vehicular loads. The scope of work includes the removal of the existing 1975 structure and the construction of a wider, longer bridge. To facilitate this, Cottonwood Road will be closed, requiring a detour of approximately six miles. The project is governed by the California Environmental Quality Act, with a Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted to address environmental impacts. Key requirements include the implementation of mitigation measures for biological resources, specifically protecting species such as the Swainson's hawk and California tiger salamander, as well as managing noise, vibration, and hazardous materials. Specialized personnel are required for the project, including certified asbestos consultants for inspections and qualified wildlife biologists for resource surveys. Construction is expected to occur seasonally between November and March, with strict adherence to Caltrans and County of Merced health, safety, and environmental standards.