Last Wednesday, the West Sacramento City Council voted to kick off eminent domain proceedings on several riverfront parcels tied to the long-planned I Street Bridge replacement. The action targets properties at 200 C Street, 310 Second Street, and 320 Second Street, which city officials say are needed to clear the right-of-way so construction can finally move forward.
Council authorizes condemnation steps
As reported by the Sacramento Business Journal, the council on Nov. 19 voted to begin condemnation proceedings and gave staff authority to negotiate purchases and, if needed, file court actions to take control of the properties. According to the Business Journal, the parcels sit in and around the proposed western landing for the replacement span.
Project funding and schedule
City leaders have framed the move as a way to keep the bridge replacement on schedule, with construction expected to start in 2026 if permits and financing fall into place. According to the West Sacramento News-Ledger, most of the design work is already done, and major state and federal grants cover the bulk of the roughly $300 million price tag.
Landowners push back
Property owners in earlier hearings have sharply challenged the city’s valuations and warned they are ready to fight in court if offers come in too low. As reported by the West Sacramento News-Ledger, one owner told the council, “You are saying that unless we accept 22 cents per square foot, you’re taking us to court,” a line that neatly sums up the tension that often surrounds condemnation cases.
Next steps for the bridge
Officials say negotiations with owners will continue while the city pushes through the right-of-way process, with court filings described as a last resort if talks break down. CBS Sacramento reports that securing final financing and permit approvals are the remaining hurdles before a hoped-for spring 2026 construction start.
Legal road ahead
Under California law, a public agency must adopt a formal resolution of necessity, provide notice and a hearing for owners, and obtain appraisals and make offers before it can move to final condemnation. These procedures are intended to ensure owners receive just compensation. As Caltrans explains, resolutions of necessity must show that the taking is planned and located to provide the greatest public benefit with the least private injury, and agencies typically deposit the amount of probable compensation while negotiations and any court battles play out.
