Hammond Trail Bridge Replacement Project
Rep. Huffman crosses Hammond Trail Bridge. (Mario Cortez / The Times-Standard)
The Hammond Trail Bridge is a popular piece of recreation infrastructure that provides an active transportation route across the Mad River between Arcata and McKinleyville, the second and third largest communities in Humboldt County. The metal structure is near the end of its lifespan as its steel trusses have deteriorated severely. The project to replace this bridge will provide local, regional, and statewide benefits by preserving a key link of the California Coastal Trail and U.S. Bicycle Route 95 and ensuring a non-motorized route alternative to Highway 101 between McKinleyville, Arcata, and Humboldt Bay.
"The replacement of this bridge falls into a 'no person's land' of funding (because) it's not a new project, it's a replacement of an existing project. So, while we've applied a couple of times for state funding, that really goes to new projects. It's only through the congressman's efforts that we're going to be able to do this," Humboldt County Public Works Director Tom Mattson said. "I'm very, very happy for Humboldt County that we'll be able to replace this bridge before it falls down."
"This project would not have been possible without these dollars. We don't have the capacity within our organization to fund a project of this magnitude," Humboldt County Administrative Officer Elishia Hayes said. "I think it's going to be really a great addition to the community. … People from all over the county will come here to use the trail and once it's all connected it's going to be a really big deal."
Awarded: $5,000,000
Location: Humboldt County