First Street bridge replacement set for June

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18 month long closure expected for roadway

Monday, March 03, 2008

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By KEVIN COURTNEY
Napa Valley Register

3:30 p.m.The city of Napa is taking steps to begin construction of a replacement First Street bridge over the Napa River this summer.

Demolition is likely to start in June, said Barry Martin, the city’s public outreach coordinator. First Street will be closed to cross-river traffic for 18 months.

The city is scheduled to open construction bids this month on a two-lane span that will feature ribbons of illuminated glass in the sidewalks.

To keep swallows from nesting under the bridge prior to the start of construction, the city covered the undersides with netting last week, Martin said.

The 151-foot-long bridge is estimated to cost $8 million, with the federal government paying 88.5 percent. The city will pay the remainder from gas tax revenues.

The current bridge, built in 1908, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the first concrete and steel truss bridge in Napa County.

Replacing the century-old span will both remove a flood obstruction and provide the city with an essential bridge capable of lasting through the 21st century, city officials said.

The existing bridge has deteriorated to the point it would not be cost-effective to repair it, they said.

Napa has been working on the design of the new bridge for four years. The City Council chose a design preferred by neighbors.

As the construction start approaches, the city will publicize the closure of this river crossing, Martin said.

5 comment(s)

supernova8610 wrote on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM:

" I thought they just replaced that bridge a few years ago? "

napavalleyman wrote on Mar 3, 2008 7:24 PM:

" For "supernova8610": On the one hand, you're seemingly right, but, unfortunately, you're thinking of the bridge between Main and Soscol. On the other hand, this article, so typical of many Register articles, is so poorly written that it's not clear to which bridge it is referring. I believe the article is referring to the bridge just past Copia, on the Silverado side, as one approaches the old Vallergas market, which has yet to be replaced. I'm surprised that such a veteran reporter as Kevin Courtney would publish such an ambiguous piece, but not surprised that the Register would publish it. "

jimmie wrote on Mar 3, 2008 9:19 PM:

" It is the only First Street bridge over the Napa River, though it is confusing. "

jwk wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:18 AM:

" Great more CLuster F traffic problems to please the Tourists. This bridge has never caused any flooding problems since I've been her. (25 years) But the Behern St. bridge floods the Downtown Napa area every other year. SO Again other than for the Five Star Ritz Carlton coming in over there, Why again are are local Business and Homeowners being pushed behind this ridiculous waste of Flood money??? "

GregN. wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:26 AM:

" Why would you read it if your going to publicly complain. Yea, the guy messed up by not stating which bridge it was, but there's no need to bash the register about it. Don't you have anything better to do? "

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