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
Body
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 Board approve the resolution for the temporary closure.
On May 5, 2023 (Legistar 23-0145, Item 39), the Board approved Resolution 060-2023 authorizing the Department of Transportation Director, or Deputy Director Designee, the delegated authority to approve temporary road closures. The Resolution states that Transportation must get the Board’s permission for closures lasting more than ninety (90) days. Since this closure has already surpassed the allotted amount of time and Transportation does not have a current time frame for when FEMA will approve the repair project, Transportation is requesting the Board authorize a closure of Cosumnes Mine Road through April 1, 2025 or when the repair project is completed, whichever comes first. If the repair project is not completed by April 1, 2025, Transportation will return to the Board before that date to update the Board and request an extension to the closure.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to adopt the Resolution. Transportation would make edits to the Resolution as directed by the Board and return.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
May 25, 2023, Legistar 23-0145, delegated authority to temporarily close County owned roads & bridges.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The Resolution has been reviewed and approved by County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The requested Board action has no associated fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on the resolution.
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward a fully executed copy of the resolution to Matt Gourley at Transportation.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation