The California Transportation Commission has approved $25 million in state funds for the construction of a new bridge to replace the 1911 I Street Bridge. Announced last Friday, the funding comes from the Local Partnership Program under Senate Bill 1 and will support a new multi-modal crossing located upstream of the existing bridge. The project aims to improve connectivity between West Sacramento’s Washington Neighborhood and the Sacramento Railyards, accommodating vehicles, transit buses, bicycles, and pedestrians, according to the City of West Sacramento.
Mayor Martha Guerrero said, “Building a safe river crossing between the two cities is a priority,” and added, “Thank you to the CTC for this critical funding. We look forward to working with Sacramento to get the new bridge built as soon as possible.” The current I Street Bridge has narrow lanes that do not allow buses or emergency vehicles, and its sidewalks are not accessible. A joint study began in 2011, leading to a replacement project with community input. The new design is a tied-arch bridge. The old bridge will continue to carry trains, and its upper deck will be turned into a path for walking and biking, as reported by the City of West Sacramento.
The project is now 95% through the design phase and has passed environmental reviews. With the latest funding, it is close to reaching the $300 million needed for completion. The City of West Sacramento plans to begin seeking construction bids in late 2025. If the schedule stays on track, construction could start in mid-2026 and finish by 2031. Most of the funding comes from a $250 million contribution by Caltrans through the federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remainder from local sources.
