By Theresa-Marie Wilson

A project to replace a structurally deficient bridge in rural Arroyo Grande is expected to begin in early June.
The County Board of Supervisors recently awarded a contract for the Tar Spring Creek Bridge on Branch Mill Road.
The R. Burke Corporation came in as the lowest responsible bidder at $1,999,148. A total of six bids were received. The Griffith Company had the highest bid at $3,191,236.
The estimated total cost for entire project is $3,864,198.
The construction contract provides for the replacement of the existing Tar Spring Creek Bridge The bridge was built in 1949 and was determined by Caltrans to be structurally deficient and eligible for funding authorized by the Federal Highway Administration for bridge replacement. The structure had been incurring significant on-going maintenance expenses.
“We have had some ongoing scour problems with the bridge as well,” said county project manager Cori Marsalek. “Erosion in the creek is undermining the supports of the bridge. It is eroding away underneath. It is something that has been on our radar for quite awhile.”
Additional work will include relocation of a road sign, roadway excavation, hydroseed compost and installing erosion control material.
The project has involved permits through several regulatory agencies including Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Water Resources, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Adjoining landowners and residents will be alerted during construction for detour routes. The road will be closed during the summer months for the construction.
The project is slated to begin June 1 and is expected to be complete by October. Ag land operations will continue with the use of a temporary bridge.
“There is a temporary bridge that we’re installing about 800-feet downstream,” Marsalek said. “It is only for farm equipment, the contractor and emergency personnel.”
Approximately 1200 vehicles per day use the Tar Spring Creek Bridge. Those commuters will be directed to use a detour route on Husana Road during the expected four-month closure.
“It’s a pretty straight forward little project,” Marsalek said adding that there is an additional element that the county hopes the project provides. “People tend to dump things there. The bridge will have more guardrail and we are replacing fencing, so hopefully it will deter some of the illegal dumping that goes on out there.”
Stuff dumped in the creek and near the bridge range from household furniture to old tires.
After the construction, a crew will also plant trees and remove some invasive species.
Funding for the project comes from the Federal Highway Bridge Program, Federal Bridge Toll Credit Program, and the Road Fund.