The replacement for the Folsom Dam Bridge will open March 28, and that is very good news, from the Rancho Cordova Post.
An excerpt.
“With somewhat limited access across the American River, many commuters find their daily trips to or from Rancho Cordova frustrating at best. But as of March 28th, another option will be available. Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on March 28th. Not only will this easy access route prove beneficial for commuters, but for leisurely activities in the area as well.
“The 1,000-foot bridge will link Folsom-Auburn Road to East Natoma Street and the newer areas of Folsom to Old Folsom. The historic part of town should see a dramatic decrease in traffic congestion, which will hopefully lead to fewer accidents and greater safety for drivers. Folsom Lake Crossing Bridge will see about 25,000 vehicles on weekdays. The bridge will have separate pedestrian and bike lanes for further safety precautions.”
And for those of you who want the history and technical information about the new bridge, it is here, at Road Traffic Technology site.
An excerpt.
“The Folsom Dam Bridge will replace the dam road that was closed in 2003 following security issues after the 11 September terrorist attacks. The Bureau of Reclamation carried out an assessment on potential targets for further terrorist attack and it was felt that the dam offered a potential target with hundreds of thousands of people in Folsom City at risk.
“The dam road started as a service road when the structure was first opened in 1955 (three turbines with an output of 199MW) but over the years traffic had grown to some 18,000 vehicles a day and the road had become a major artery into the city.
“The closure of the dam road threw the traffic system into disarray and some called for the dam road to be reopened – the alternative routes were gridlocked and this has affected local businesses (40% reduction in business).
“John Keys, commissioner of reclamation, commented: "The mission of Folsom Dam is to provide flood control and power and water to California. It is our responsibility to ensure that the dam continues to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the Sacramento area. While it has become essential to close the roadway that runs over the top of Folsom Dam, we are continuing to consult with congressional representatives, local officials and citizens about the impacts of this decision."
“In 2004–2005 a new $75m bridge crossing of the Sacramento River went into the planning stage with construction beginning on 22 February 2007. The new cast-in-place segmental concrete bridge is expected to be opened by spring 2009. The bridge, which will be situated just west (100 yards downstream) of Folsom Dam will now reduce much of the traffic congestion in Folsom (estimates allow for 26,000 cars a day using the new bridge when it is opened).”
