A dangerous bridge over remote Jordan Creek is most definitely a bridge to two remote homes within east Railroad Trail…and it’s certainly precarious.
With no guard rails and zero steel support, this bridge, one of two, poses a big problem for Del Norte County, deeded owners of both bridges.
Homeowners Rick and Becky Coltra and Jim Harris have been bringing their complaints to the board of supervisors since 2019, to no avail.
Back in 2012, the City was monitoring its public works hardware on east Railroad Trail and a City truck accidently damaged the second bridge. What appears to resemble an inverted rail car, the City, under the capable hands of then-Public Works Director Eric Wier and City engineer Jim Barnts fixed the damaged bridge at a cost of $80,000. The bridges are not owned or controlled by the City.
County Engineer Jon Olson traveled out to take a look/see, after yet another citizen- frustrating visit three weeks ago to the Board.
No return phone calls, no communications on how or what is happening continued to vex property owners Rick and Becky Coltra and Jim Harris.
Neither homeowner can accept UPS, propane delivery, Del Norte Ambulance, Fire and Rescue or any vehicles with more than two axles and excessive weight
Engineer Olson of Community Development shared his findings: “The bridge is owned by Del Norte County, given to it by the Miller-Rellum folks, decades back. The budget allocation must come from Administration.” Olson shared the cost of a new pre-fabricated bridge is about $250,000 not including addition of steel supports.
A meeting with all parties to discuss the precarious first bridge (sans steel suuport) is in the works.
The unanswered question as to why the Coltra and Harris families have not been communicated with since 2019 has not been addressed.
Now, the County has been noticed and as a matter of public safety, must respond and start communicating and doing something.