The challenges were immense, it certainly wasn’t easy but the long overdue Hunter/Panther Bridges Replacement Project on Highway 101 just north of Klamath has been completed with an appropriate ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Project replaced the outdated , narrow corridor long past its 50 year design life expectancy. The new bridges feature wider lanes, separated pedestrian paths, fewer piers in the water and a pedestrian railing design created in collaboration with the Yurok Tribe, enhancing safety, accessibility and aesthetics.
Two-way traffic will now resume.
The Project was funded by SB1 the Road Repair and Accountability Act at a cost of $29.1 million. A five year post-construction allocation of $430,000 for landscape and vegetation is included.
Of note, the Panther Creek Bridge is a first: The colorful steel-tied arch bridge is unique, the first of its kind designed without piers in the water, protecting juvenile Coho salmon and other aquatic species, in Cal Trans District 1. The dearth of piers minimizes impacts to the Klamath River tributary.
The installation of a broadband middle mile conduit ensures connectivity with the Yurok Tribal community.
Cal Trans Dist.1 Director Matt Brady was on site, praising the teamwork of Cal Trans, Golden State Bridge and the Yurok Tribe. Project Manager David Melendez added, We are proud to deliver infrastructure that supports safety, reliability and mobility needs in our community.”
Yurok Tribal Council Member Ryan Ray who cut the ribbon and offered a blessing, lauded the Project and it’s partners, “ The new bridges honor our teamwork and protect culturally vital species such as the Coho salmon.”
Del Norte Supervisors, Chairman Dean Wilson, Valerie Starkey and Chris Howard were on hand to celebrate the completion of the Project.
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