Locals stymied by closure of the nondescript bridge linking Moraga with Canyon may be heartened to learn that town engineers may soon present a plan to remove the existing structure and construct a temporary 160’ one-lane, free standing bridge in its place.
If approved, the temporary bridge would be located in a position that would allow a new, permanent bridge to be constructed east of the temporary span, at a later time, according to town officials.
Public Works Director Edric Kwan has assumed responsibility for finding a solution for reconnecting the two communities, saying candidly the initial estimate for design, purchase and installation of a temporary bridge comes in at $2.6 million and could take months.
Officials continue to research all options they hope will accomplish their goal, but at lower cost.
To that end, The Town has submitted a request for emergency funding through Caltrans and the California Office of Emergency Services. The request is being evaluated to see if the Town qualifies for any funding programs. If approved, funds will pay for a portion of the total cost, but as in the case with the now infamous sink hole, the Town will have to pay upfront costs and wait for reimbursement.
The Town has also submitted a claim to the its insurance carrier, which is also making an assessment of damage and potential coverage. The Town’s policy requires a $500,000 deductible with a maximum coverage of $2 million in property loss. Staff recommendations on a temporary bridge or other options will be presented to the Town Council at a public meeting for approval and authorization of funding.
The timeline for the project is still being developed, according to an announcement released by The Town Thursday, and is “subject to change based on the ongoing consideration of all options.”
But Kwan and others say “it could take months to get all permits and approvals; stabilization work completed; removal of the existing bridge; and a temporary bridge purchased, delivered, and built…”
No traffic of any kind has been allowed across the bridge since engineers found that its supporting piers had sustained significant damage from a nearby mudslide.
If the town of Moraga is on the hook to pay the $2.6m and also the full cost of the permanent bridge than I am 100% against the temporary bridge.
Where are all the Bailey bridge experts from the town meeting with cost estimates in the $200k range.
@Tim – Morning. It sounds like the town is moving past that option, though the mention of a Bailey Option brought back memories of this scene in the appropriately named “Bridge Too Far.”
After I saw the temp bridge estimate, I re-listened to the town meeting. At the very end there was one lady that asked/commented the most relevant question to the Town Council. It’s the question we all should be asking (at least those that live in Moraga that will be paying for the bridge). What is the conversation with EBMUD, what are our lawyers telling us about EBMUD’s responsibility, what are the technical engineers saying about the Augusta drive slide and its impact on the bridge. The Town avoided that question. I’m not an expert but the maps of the slides paint a rather clear picture that the Augusta Dr slide and the bridge are married. I would be in favor of the town getting lawyers involved to better protect our interest and money.
2.6 MILLION for a one lane bridge? That they will tear down when the permanent one is built? And how much is that one supposed to cost??
News24-680 Would this be the same bridge that was planned to be replaced by 2018. Please see link.
http://www.moraga.ca.us/canyonbridge