August 2017 (39.21528, -123.76806) Salmon Creek Bridge |
Among the reasons why Caltrans is considering replacing this bridge are:
- Functionally Obsolete - the deck geometry only provides for one foot shoulders.
- Fracture Critical - lack of redundancy in the deck truss and floor beam members, which could result in collapse.
- Structurally Deficient – the bridge deck is in poor condition.
- Low Load Rating – larger permit trucks are not allowed on the bridge.
- Deficient Rail – the existing bridge rail does not meet current design standards.
- Costly Maintenance – Painting is required every 4 to 5 years to protect the steel at a cost of $2.5 million. Spalls and delamination of concrete also need to be repaired.
- Seismically Deficient – the bridge needs to be retrofitted to prevent collapse during a large earthquake.
Caltrans performed a value analysis for replacing Salmon Creek (and the adjacent Albion River Bridge), held meetings with the community, and created designs for box arch (shown below), spandrel arch, and box girder bridges as options for bridge replacement.
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