Quinley Avenue Over Black Rascal Creek Project (Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. EPIMS-MER-57015-R4

The Quinley Avenue Over Black Rascal Creek Project, identified by Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. EPIMS-MER-57015-R4, is an infrastructure initiative led by the Merced County Department of Public Works. The project involves the demolition of the existing Quinley Avenue Bridge over Black Rascal Creek and its replacement with a three-span bridge structure designed to improve safety and operations. The new superstructure will be 5.5 feet wider and 16 feet longer than the original bridge while remaining within the existing footprint. Additional scope of work includes grading and the installation of rock slope protection. The project is located in Atwater, California, approximately 0.6 miles south of State Route 140. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved the project on August 15, 2025, acting as a Responsible Agency pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1602. This approval was based on a Negative Declaration indicating that the project will not have a significant environmental effect within the jurisdiction of the department. As a condition of this approval, the project must adhere to specific mitigation measures and a Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan. The project is classified under NAICS code 237310 for highway, street, bridge, and tunnel construction.