Arnold, CA…The Calaveras County Water District worked with T&S Construction Friday to install a temporary bridge over the section of Blagen Road that was damaged by Big Trees Creek Flooding on Wednesday January 11. This emergency project has allowed the District to regain safe vehicular access to its main maintenance facility for the Ebbetts Pass service area. Blagen Road will remain closed to the general public until further notice.

When the the Big Trees Creek flooding overwhelmed the culvert under Blagen Road, the water ate away around the concrete headwall and eroded the soil from underneath half of the Road. Not only did this erosion undermine the road, it also exposed the District’s 12-inch main water transmission line, which serves the town of Arnold. This put the line at risk of breaking due to lack of support and the possibility of a large piece of debris striking pipe. On Wednesday night, CCWD crews stabilized the pipeline using a metal I-beam and heavy duty straps. On Thursday and Friday, the District installed the temporary bridge. Over the next few days, the District will take further actions to repair the damaged section of Blagen Road and provide further protection for the main water transmission line.

The District is grateful to Calaveras County for expediting the necessary encroachment permit for this emergency project.