Tahoe City is bracing for a major change as the full closure of Fanny Bridge looms over the horizon, scheduled to stretch from Aug. 11 through Nov. 3. The closure is set to make way for the demolition of the current structure, paving the path for a new bridge to take its place. During this 12-week period, vehicular traffic will be rerouted via the state Route 89 Bypass, a route established back in 2019 as a feature of the Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project, according to a release by Placer County.
Despite the inconvenience that may arise due to the closure, local businesses located in the Tahoe City area are expected to remain open, maintaining accessibility for patrons and visitors alike throughout the duration of construction. Pedestrians won't be left to fend for themselves either, with a detour set around the construction zone via the existing walkway over Lake Tahoe Dam. "We’re thankful for the continued support of the community for this project, as well as their patience during the bridge closure period,” said Seth Warren, engineering manager for Placer County’s Tahoe Engineering Division, in a statement obtained by Placer County's official release.
Preparation has been underway since early June, focusing on tasks such as connecting culverts to the Tahoe City Dam gates, which are a critical component for redirecting water around the existing bridge. To minimize the impact on the environment and local wildlife, fish in the river diversion area are slated for relocation before the dewatering process commences, allowing for the safe removal of the existing bridge piers and footings from the riverbed. A temporary sewer bypass has also been constructed over the river as part of the necessary sewer line replacement endeavors.
The new Fanny Bridge is promised to be a point of pride for the area, designed as an uninterrupted single-span with ambitions of reducing the environmental impact on the Truckee River. Aesthetically pleasing, it'll feature sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides, complete with a bridge rail that tips its hat to the historic bridge it's replacing. An improved pedestrian crossing on the south side will be fine-tuned with push buttons compliant with current accessibility standards. "The new bridge is sure to be a crown jewel for Tahoe City,” Warren elaborated in a release from Placer County.
Realizing such a project requires a combined effort, and the Fanny Bridge replacement project stands as a testament to collaboration between Placer County, the Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration, Caltrans, Tahoe Transportation District, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and the Tahoe City Public Utility District. Thompson Builders has been contracted to attend to the construction aspect, all under the leadership of the FHWA/CFLHD.
