State Route 246 CAPM and Robinson Bridge Replacement

Caltrans District 5 is undertaking a major infrastructure project to replace the Robinson Bridge at post mile 9.82 on State Route 246 near Lompoc, California, with associated improvements to the surrounding transportation network. The project includes the preservation of 21.7 lane miles of flexible Class 2 pavement using Capital Preventive Maintenance strategies, installation of a small segment of sidewalk, rehabilitation of culverts, upgrade of sign panels, and modernization of curb ramps and guardrails to meet current safety standards. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2030 and last approximately 458 working days, or about two years, with work taking place within River Park and along the Santa Ynez River corridor. The selected design alternative, Option 4, was chosen based on a trade-off evaluation emphasizing cost savings of $5.3 million compared to other options, year-round construction feasibility via a bridge trestle, reduced environmental disruption due to fewer river piers, improved aesthetic integration, and unanimous support from local stakeholders including the City of Lompoc and SBCAG. Environmental compliance and mitigation are core components of the project, governed by state and federal regulatory requirements. The contractor must obtain permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Specific provisions mandate minimization of impacts to special-status species, revegetation with native plants, use of quieter equipment with noise abatement measures, and aesthetic treatments such as darkened metal and blended concrete finishes. Waste management protocols require secure handling and disposal of treated wood, hazardous materials, and electrical equipment per Caltrans Standard Specifications, while stormwater controls must comply with NPDES and BMP guidelines. Inspections and acceptance hinge on on-site compliance verification by Caltrans and regulatory agencies, with formal sign-off tied to environmental permitting conditions rather than a physical delivery point. While the contract type and formal line-item pricing are unspecified, the project is not proceeding under an LPTA approach but rather through a best-value selection process. All environmental determinations, including the Section 4(f) de minimis impact and associated concurrence from the City of Lompoc, are in place, and the lead point of contact for inquiries is Lucas Marsalek, Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor at Caltrans District 5.