Avila Beach bridge closed due to structural issues
A bridge in Avila Beach has been closed to vehicle traffic due to structural deficiencies.
The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Works closed the Pippin Lane bridge about 250 feet north of See Canyon Road until further notice, according to a county news release.
Brian Uder, the county’s transportation engineer, said that a timber beam that supports the deck of the bridge has rotted.
The county is pursuing an emergency permit to perform necessary repairs and reopen the bridge as soon as possible.
“We hope it will be fixed in a few weeks is our goal, and we’re hoping to be able to start work next week” pending permits, Uder said. “That’s going to be our goal.”
The rotten timber elements, making up one piece of the structure, need to be removed and replaced, Uder said.
Residents from about six or seven households use the bridge to reach their homes, he said. They’ll be able to access the bridge by foot, parking on the other side, while it’s closed to vehicle traffic..
“It’s safe to walk on, just not to drive on,” Uder said.
The Avila Beach bridge is one of 137 federal highway bridges in the county.
Caltrans provides inspection and recommendation of repairs and based on findings of structural deficiencies.
A Caltrans inspector determined that the bridge should be closed “pending a more thorough inspection and recommendation for repairs,” according to county officials.
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