Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 053-2024 authorizing temporary closure of a portion of Cosumnes Mine Road, including the Cosumnes Mine Road bridge, due to structural damage caused by the Caldor Fire in 2021 effective upon execution through April 1, 2025; and
2) Authorize the Department of Transportation Director to approve road closure extensions on Cosumnes Mine Road as needed. (District 2)
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In August of 2021, the Caldor Fire started and burned from Grizzly Flats to Meyers, leaving extensive destruction in its wake, including the treated timber bridge deck on the Cosumnes Mine Road bridge over the North Fork Cosumnes River. The fire burned out the bridge deck, and the bridge has been closed ever since Department of Transportation (Transportation) crews were able to first visit the site after the fire had moved off to the northeast.
Transportation realized that a project would need to be implemented to repair the deck. Transportation completed all the design work for the replacement of the treated timber bridge deck in 2022 but has been waiting since late 2022 for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval of the repair project before putting the project out to bid, since FEMA approval of the project is required to allow the County to seek reimbursement for the repair project. Thus, the bridge has remained closed since the fire, and since the bridge historically sees a very minimal amount of use, there has not been an issue with it being closed for such an extended time.
In late 2023, Caltrans inspected the bridge as part of their responsibility to inspect every California bridge every 2-3 years. When Caltrans observed that the bridge deck was burned out, they contacted Transportation staff and requested that the County Board of Supervisors close the road via resolution. Transportation staff agreed and is recommending that the Bo...
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