Hwy. 1 bridge will be torn down and replaced. Here’s what it means for drivers
Drivers and cyclists, get ready for another lengthy construction project on busy Highway 1, this one replacing the northbound lanes of the Toro Creek Bridge.
The two-span, ocean-view bridge is near the Dog Beach area north of the Morro Bay strand area, and about a half mile south of Old Creek Road.
Traffic on the scenic highway will be reduced to a single lane in each direction during the two-phase project, which is expected to continue into the spring of 2023. Signs will notify drivers and cyclists about the changes; detours will be established for bicyclists.
The $5.7 million Caltrans project will begin Friday, May 6, according to spokesman Jim Shivers. That’s when the contractor, Souza Engineering Contracting of San Luis Obispo, will close the northbound and southbound inside/left lanes of the highway (sometimes nicknamed the “fast” lanes).
Those two lanes will remain closed 24/7 for several weeks for construction of a concrete T-rail safety barrier that will protect the workers during the eventual bridge demo and rebuilding process on the northbound side of the scenic highway.
Then, probably later in May, traffic will transfer to the southbound lanes, again providing a single lane in each direction, with the lanes separated for safety by a K-rail divider.
That traffic switch will allow Souza workers to demolish and replace the northbound bridge span.
The southbound span won’t be replaced at this time, Shivers said, because that separate portion of the bridge is newer and doesn’t require repair or replacement now.
Funding
The Toro Creek Bridge Project is is entirely funded by Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, which provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For details on other projects funded by SB 1, go to RebuildingCA.ca.gov..
Tim Gubbins, director of Caltrans District 5, said, “This important infrastructure project is another illustration of how SB 1 funding is making a big, positive difference by advancing infrastructure improvements not only here on the Central Coast, but throughout the state.”
More coming soon
And be forewarned: Shivers said another Highway 1 project is set to begin just south of Cayucos later this year with work being done on the Old Creek Bridge.
People seeking current information about traffic and road conditions on other state highways in San Luis Obispo County can contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or they can go online to https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5.
This story was originally published May 3, 2022 at 4:04 PM.
