Cal Trans work crews are completing the assembly of the temporary bridge along Highway 101 in preparation for removal of the Dr. Fine Bridge over the Smith River, north of Crescent City. The length of the temporary bridge is 1,007 feet. The temporary bridge will be completed by the end of winter.
Traffic impacts will be minimal, according to Area Construction Engineer/Project Manager Clayton Malmberg.
The current speed limit in the construction area is 45 mph. Traffic will be diverted to the temporary bridge east of the existing structure with a reduction to 25 mph.
The temporary bridge will be used as the old bridge is demolished next summer and the new bridge is built. The speed limit will be reduced for the duration of the project.
“Once traffic is diverted onto the temporary bridge, we’ll begin demolishing the old bridge. We expect to complete the demolition late next year. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, construction will be completed by the end of 2025,” according to Malmberg.
The old Dr. Fine Bridge was built in 1940 and is near the end of its useful life. The new bridge will be 1,032 feet long, 51 feet wide and will include two 12 foot lanes, two 8 foot shoulders and an additional 6 foot pedestrian path on the west side.
Total cost of the project is $85 million.