Construction Starts on Hauser Bridge Replacement

This week, construction ramped up on the replacement of Hauser Bridge, located on Hauser Bridge Road over the South Fork of the Gualala River about 4 miles east of the junction of Highway 1 and Kruse Ranch Road, near Cazadero.

“Hauser Bridge Road is a key connecting road for West County residents, and a destination route for cyclists,” shared Supervisor Lynda Hopkins. “This new bridge will enhance safety and is 100% federally funded.”

The new bridge will be an asymmetrical steel arch structure, designed to fit the unique topography of the river banks. The bridge will have a two lane concrete deck, while drainage improvements and guard railing will be added along the approaching roadway.

The existing bridge will remain in place through the construction process to minimize traffic impacts, and aid in the construction of the new bridge. There will be a number of days in the summer when the bridge will be closed to through traffic, please check the website below for updates on closures. Heavy equipment will be on the road on weekdays from 7am to 5pm, resulting in potential delays of up to 10 minutes. Construction is expected to conclude this year.

The existing bridge was built in 1947, and consists of a one-lane steel truss structure with a steel grid style deck. The bridge suffers from corrosion and foundation issues, causing it to become structurally deficient.

Granite Construction is the general contractor constructing the bridge, while Caltrop is providing Construction Management services to Sonoma County.