Yolo County Breaks Ground on $9.8M Rumsey Bridge Replacement Project

Yolo County Breaks Ground on $9.8M Rumsey Bridge Replacement Project

YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — Officials in Yolo County on May 1 marked the start of construction on a long-anticipated infrastructure project to replace the aging Rumsey Bridge, a nearly century-old structure identified as structurally deficient.

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Angel Barajas, vice chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, who emphasized the importance of the project for local communities.

“This project reflects years of collaboration with the community and our partners,” Barajas said. “We are proud to invest in infrastructure that supports our rural communities while honoring the history and significance of the Rumsey Bridge.”

New Bridge to Improve Safety and Regional Access

The bridge, located on County Road 41 over Cache Creek near Rumsey, was originally constructed in 1930 and has reached the end of its service life, according to Caltrans. The replacement project will deliver a modern structure designed to improve safety, traffic flow and long-term reliability.

Plans call for construction of an დაახლოებით 400-foot, three-span, cast-in-place prestressed concrete box girder bridge with 28 feet of clear width between barriers. The new bridge will be built just upstream of the existing crossing, allowing the current structure to remain open during construction to maintain access for residents and emergency services.

In addition to the bridge replacement, County Road 41 will be realigned to intersect Highway 16 at a safer, perpendicular angle, improving traffic operations in the area. The route is considered critical for emergency response and wildfire evacuation in Capay Valley.

Historic Preservation and Construction Timeline

The existing Rumsey Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a rare example of a concrete tied-arch bridge in California. To address its historical significance, Yolo County entered into a mitigation agreement with the state in 2019 that includes installing an on-site monument detailing the bridge’s history and engineering features.

Local organizations, including the Rumsey Improvement Association and regional historical societies, supported the mitigation plan.

The project has been years in the making, with the county completing environmental reviews, right-of-way acquisition and final design over the past six years. Officials also coordinated closely with the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation to finalize the bridge alignment and design.

Construction is fully funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program. Steelhead Constructors, based in Redding, California, was awarded the contract after submitting the lowest bid of $9,862,680.

Work is expected to take approximately 250 working days. During the 2026 construction season, crews will construct the new bridge while keeping the existing span open to traffic. In 2027, the project will enter its final phase, including demolition of the old bridge and completion of roadway improvements.

County officials said motorists should expect minor delays and are encouraged to follow posted signs and flagging operations. Access to local properties and businesses will be maintained throughout construction.

Originally reported by Yolo County, California.