Caltrans has confirmed that the Big Bear bridge project is another step closer to being built. A contract was awarded for $39 million to FCI Constructors Inc.
The company said it expects to begin the project full scale after the snow season in spring 2009 although some preliminary work could take place earlier in 2009.
The project is located on State Route 18 (SR-18) at Big Bear Dam and will replace the existing, historical bridge with a new structure on the south side of the dam and realign the roadway over the canyon downstream from the dam. It will construct three 12-ft. (3.7 m) travel lanes (one westbound lane will have a right turn option), 10-ft. (3 m) shoulders, and a 5-ft. (1.5 m) American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalk on one side of the bridge. It also will realign and signalize the intersection of SR-18 and SR-38 (which travels east toward Fawnskin).
The new Caltrans District 8 Director Raymond W. Wolfe said, “Caltrans is looking forward to building this much needed project thanks to the persistent efforts of the former District 8 Director Michael Perovich.”
Caltrans plans to have a groundbreaking for the project in spring 2009.
