Edhat Staff
Source: Caltrans
Caltrans is continuing to rebuild and repair six bridges along State Route 192 following debris flows and flooding in the Montecito area this past January. Caltrans is working to restore full access for the community and is striving to complete these various projects this winter, weather permitting.
An update on these projects estimated at $30 million is as follows:
Montecito Creek Bridge (PM 8.12): Abutment work has been completed. Construction continues seven days a week from 7 am until 6 pm, weather permitting to maintain the integrity of the construction site and surrounding area during the rainy season. This bridge is expected to be re-opened to traffic with some restrictions in mid-March.
The San Ysidro Creek Bridge (PM 9.6) : Bridge rail work has been completed, crash cushions, guardrail and bike rail work is continuing. Both lanes remain open during construction.
Romero Canyon Creek Bridge (PM 10.92): Structure work has been completed with roadway and utility work continuing. This bridge is expected to be re-opened to traffic by mid-January.
The Toro Creek Bridge (PM 12.14): Bridge rails have been poured on one side of the bridge with the other side to be poured following the relocation of water lines in December. Roadway and utility work is ongoing. This bridge is expected to re-open without restrictions by the end of February. The bridge remains open to one lane of traffic until complete.
Toro Canyon Creek Bridge (PM 12.49): Structure work has been completed. Roadway and utility work is ongoing. This bridge is expected to be re-opened to traffic by the end of February.
Security Paving of Sylmar is the contractor for the $20 million replacement of these bridges.
Arroyo Paredon Bridge (PM 15.50): The precast bridge deck was installed in October. Construction of the bridge railing and deck surface is nearing completion. This bridge is expected to be re-open to traffic by the beginning of February. Lash Construction of Santa Barbara is the contractor for the $10 million replacement of this bridge.
Barricades and locked gates secure each location with detours available via local roads. Emergency responders will maintain access to these locked areas for public safety.
A segment of State Route 192 is open to motorists but through traffic is strongly advised to continue using US 101. State Route 192 remains closed at multiple locations between Sycamore Canyon/Camino Viejo Road and Cravens Lane.
Caltrans reminds motorists to move over and slow down when driving through highway work zones.
For more information on this project and for traffic updates on other Caltrans projects in Santa Barbara County, residents may call the District 5 Public Affairs Office at (805) 549-3237 or visit our website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/
This would be funny except as taxpayers we are footing the bill. Well over a year and $30 million dollars to repair / replace simple two lane single span bridges. The $10 million to replace the Arroyo Paredon bridge is particularly egregious. Even if you were to accept the premise that the overall cost is reasonable, how do you explain the simple, single span, straight, two lane Arroyo Paredon bridge replacement being fully 50% of the cost of the other five (!) bridges?
Even at these levels of funding every few weeks the schedules slip another month.
Where is the accountability?