COBB — Choosing from options presented, the Board of Supervisors Tuesday directed Public Works Deputy Director Lars Ewing proceeded with developing plans to repair Wildcat Bridge, located in the Cobb Mountain area.
The county has been exploring options for the past several months in order to address concerns of inaccessibility of emergency vehicles over the bridge.
In previous discussions, Ewing indicated that Caltrans may hold interest in the project as it is situated and complicated by Wildcat Road”s intersection with Highway 175. The county applied for a Federal Highway Improvement Grant in association with the project. However, Ewing said that according to a recent conversation with Caltrans, it is unlikely that the county will be awarded the grant despite Caltrans” support of the project. The grant would have provided for the option of second project to realign the intersection.
The board opted for further development of Ewing”s second recommendation, which he said would entail widening of the bridge, removing the existing deck and existing stringers and repairs to the timber abutments. He said the option would result in a widening of the bridge from its approximate 15 feet to about 18 feet as well as move out the guard rail. Ewing was directed to proceed with development of the repair plan and bring it back before the board for consideration.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
