(Last UPDATED 1/20/2022) The cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento unveiled the final architectural design for the I Street Bridge Replacement Project on February 21, 2020. See UPDATE below for the latest on funding of the Project.
Original Post
Description of the I Street Bridge Replacement Project and why Sacramentans should make their favorite bridge design choice known!
Now is the time to weigh in on the I Street Bridge Replacement Project if you haven’t already! Sacramentans have until November 6th to voice their opinion on the final design of the replacement bridge.
The original nine bridge design concepts have been reduced to four versions of two designs and we are getting down to the wire.
SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)
First of all, you may ask – Why is voicing an opinion important? The existing I Street Bridge is over 100-years old and its replacement will likely be around for as long or longer. As such, it will be a long-term part of the Sacramento landscape – a Sacramento landmark.
As I told my daughter when she was old enough to vote – you are not entitled to complain unless you vote.
About the I Street Bridge
The I Street Bridge is a metal truss swing bridge that connects Sacramento County to Yolo County. Built in 1911, the I Street Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The I Street Bridge is a duel-purpose bridge. The upper level provides freeway access and the lower level provides rail access. The existing I Street Bridge will remain in place. Its lower deck will continue to serve as a railroad crossing and the use of the upper deck in currently being studied.
Background
The I Street Bridge Replacement Project has been in the works for some time now. The Sacramento River Crossings Alternative Study in 2011 identified the need for a new bridge to replace the I Street Bridge – one that can serve cars, buses, bicycles and pedestrians.
The new bridge will be built upstream of the I Street Bridge across the Sacramento River between the Sacramento Railyards and West Sacramento. Construction is currently anticipated to take place 2021 – 2023.
The cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento will fund the local cost share of the project. Efforts are underway to identify the additional funding needed.
To sum up, I had hoped that the new bridge design would be awe-inspiring – but I am not sure that the choices presented fit the description. What do you think? I personally liked the Solar Arch design – but that design is not one of the choices up for a vote.
Updates
(1/20/2022) The Federal Highway Administration announced on January 14 how much money will flow to each state from the infrastructure package recently approved by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.
California will receive $849 million. Elected officials from Sacramento and West Sacramento held a joint event last week highlighting the proposed new I Street Bridge, already approved by Caltrans, as a perfect candidate for funding.
To sum up, Sacramento is one step closer to the I Street Bridge Replacement Project becoming reality!
(2/23/2020) On Friday, February 21 the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento unveiled the final architectural design for the I Street Bridge Replacement Project. See photo below.
The vertical-lift bridge will feature 6-foot bike lanes and 12-foot shared paths for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Check out the final design for the new I Street Bridge Replacement Project
See related blog post: Tower Bridge – Sacramento Landmarks
Comments on the I Street Bridge Replacement Project?
What design concept did you vote for?
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