FERNBRIDGE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC
Fernbridge was fully opened about 8 hours ahead of schedule Sunday night, following months of one-way traffic control. Caltrans had closed the bridge to all traffic over the weekend for non-stop repairs, a measure taken to complete necessary work that couldn't be done while the bridge was in use.
“The drive to work over the bridge was great. Very smooth ride without spots or bumps,” said Ferndale City Manager Jay Parrish in an email.
Damaged asphalt was replaced on Sunday, said Caltrans spokesperson Manny Machado. Workers began at 3:30 a.m., completing asphalt replacement Sunday evening. Workers have been on the site nonstop, providing traffic control to keep speeds down and allow repairs to the historic bridge.
Other repairs completed during the closure included replacing the span 1 bridge deck and column approach and installing tie rods at the arch abutments. On Sunday evening, the crew cleaned up and placed lane delineators, with the official opening at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. Asphalt replacement was completed Sunday, about an hour and a half before the bridge was open to two way traffic.
“Hurray for Caltrans, they stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun. We realize it is not long term but so much better than one way traffic,” said Parrish in an email.
Questions about Fernbridge's future were raised at a town hall meeting held by Caltrans on March 6. The bridge was built in 1911 in a seismically active area, and was damaged by the Dec. 20 earthquake and aftershocks. Caltrans estimated at the meeting a timeline of 9 to 15 years to construct a second bridge elsewhere on the Eel River in the event the Fernbridge is no longer safe to use. Over 7,000 motorists use the bridge daily.
According to Machado, the work will cost close to the six million dollars allocated for repairs, but they are currently under budget.
“We want to thank the town of Ferndale and surrounding community for their patience and support while the repairs were performed at Fernbridge,” said Machado in an email.
“We want to thank the town of Ferndale and surrounding community for their patience and support while the repairs were performed at Fernbridge.” — Manny Machado. Caltrans spokesperson