Red Bluff bridges seismic retrofit project starts soon

Caltrans will begin work on the seismic retrofit of three bridges on Highway 36, located between Interstate 5 and Damon Avenue in the City of Red Bluff sometime in mid-November, pending material and parts delivery, and inclement weather events.

The bridges include East Sand Slough, Samson Slough, and Paynes Creek Slough.

Caltrans said the purpose of the project is to preserve the structural integrity of the bridges and ensure public safety in the event of a significant earthquake.

The project includes the installation of hinge seat extenders between abutting sections of the bridge deck. The extenders will support the bridge deck in the event of a failure. Work will be performed both above and below the bridge deck simultaneously.

Starting in mid-November, traffic control will be in effect Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should expect delays near the Paynes Creek Slough, Samson Slough, and East Sand Slough bridges on the highway.

The $3.7 million project includes 80 working days, with most nights requiring traffic control. Night work will continue throughout the project, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

Partners in the project, Contractor Golden State Bridge Inc., North Region Construction and Caltrans District 2 expressed appreciation to the public and local communities for their patience during the construction of the project.