LAKE COUNTY — Lake County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday it needed more information before proceeding with the Wildcat Bridge improvement project. The board requested a cost analysis and county share regarding replacement of the bridge compared to a full intersection improvement project and its risks and benefits.
The improvement project is considered to be a high priority for the Public Works Road Division. It is intended to improve access between Wildcat Road and Highway 175 in the Cobb Mountain area.
Wildcat Bridge was built in the 1960s. It is about 15 feet by 15 feet and has been deemed impassable by emergency vehicles. The bridge is located on a sharp, blind bend, which CalTrans has indicated is in need of reconstruction, according to the road division.
Project manager Lars Ewing, said the county applied for a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant in December 2010. The grant would cover 90 percent of the costs associated with intersection improvements. He said results of the grant will be released in March.
Ewing said the grant application has the support of CalTrans. “We do look to have a good chance in getting that grant,” he said, adding that reimbursable work wouldn”t likely be able to begin until Summer 2011. He said construction activities would not be conducted this year.
Ewing recommended moving forward with the environmental work associated with the bridge replacement now due to season timing. However, he said they the estimated $10,000 cost would not be reimbursable. “If we continue now with the environmental work the project will move forward,” he said. “If we wait, it pushes construction out to 2013.”
Ewing said if the county intends to complete the project this year without the grant, it is looking at an estimated cost of $230,000. With the grant, the county cost is estimated at $120,000; however, project construction would be pushed out a year.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
