Refugio Road Undercrossing Bridges Replacement Project

proposed

Caltrans proposes to replace the northbound and southbound bridges at Refugio Road along U.S. 101 near Refugio State Beach (post miles R36/R37). The new concrete bridges would have about the same alignment, profile, and lane configuration as the existing bridges, but would be 7 feet wider to accommodate standard 10-foot shoulders. Two build alternatives were considered, and the clear-span bridges have been identified as the preferred alternative: Two-span replacement bridges. Each bridge would have a center support column, resembling the existing bridges. Clear-span replacement bridges (preferred alternative). The new bridges would not require a center support column but would appear thicker (increased depth) than the existing bridges and have larger abutments to support the longer and heavier bridge span. Both build alternatives would also remove a partial fish passage barrier caused by the existing concrete-grouted rock slope protection lining in Cañada del Refugio Creek. The rock slope protection would be removed from the creek bed and naturalized with gravel and stone, and the riparian corridor would be replanted with trees and other riparian plants. Other project elements include upgrading bridge rails on the northbound U.S. 101 on-ramp bridge, rehabilitating the existing pedestrian pathway beneath the bridges, and updating the lighting system through the project limits.