Mokelumne Hill, CA…The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will soon begin a project to widen the bridge deck and install new guardrails of the Mokelumne River Bridge on State Route 49 (SR-49) at the Amador/Calaveras County line. The purpose of the project is to improve safety and ride quality for motorists and enhance the mobility of pedestrian and bicycle traffic crossing the bridge. New bridge rails that meet current crash safety standards will be installed, and the bridge, which was built in 1952, will be widened toinclude 4-foot shoulders that will better meet the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists.

The roadway approach shoulders also will be widened on both ends of the bridge for approximately 75 feet to match the widened structure and the adjacent roadway segments. The existing deteriorated chip seal overlay will be replaced to seal cracks in the bridge deck. Work is scheduled to begin the week of August 6-12, 2023, with completion expected in June 2024.

One-way traffic control regulated by long-term, un-manned traffic signal lights will be located at each end of the project limits and at the Big Bar Recreation Park for the duration of the project for the safety of workers and the public. These signals will be configured to allow emergency vehicle override and adequate timing for bicycle traffic accommodation. Motorists should expect significant traffic delays. There will not be designated detours on local roads.

Caltrans is committed to maintaining as much access to the Mokelumne River’s recreational amenities as is consistent with public and construction safety, including keeping the Big Bar Recreation Area available for watercraft coming from upstream (Electra-Middle Bar Run) and to those wishing to use Big Bar as a take-out for their watercraft.

The $10.1 million project includes $3.6 million in Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) funds and will be conducted by Bridgeway Civil Constructors (Vacaville, CA). For more details on the
project, visit tinyurl.com/3ebzpd97 Schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment and/or materials and construction related issues.

Motorists are reminded to #KnowBeforeYouGo and check current highway conditions and closure information at www.quickmap.dot.ca.gov before traveling.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

www.dot.ca.gov
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