The purpose of this project is to conduct repairs to an existing bridge over Italian Slough. The project consists of stabilizing eroded areas near the bridge structures (abutments, cutoff and retaining walls), as well as replacement of missing and deteriorating timbers along the length of the bridge, as needed. The project is located within the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) Service Area and is a covered project (Bridge Repair). PWD will implement applicable avoidance and minimization measures defined by the HCP/NCCP. In addition, the work falls within potential habitat for Delta smelt, longfin smelt, and steelhead; therefore, consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will be conducted prior to construction to ensure impacts to these fish species are avoided. In order to avoid impacts to nesting migratory birds and the Delta fish species, the work will be conducted during the dry season, anticipated to occur during the month of September. Further, in order to access the work area around the abutments without creating sediment impacts in the slough, the contractor will either dewater the immediate areas around the abutments using clean materials such as sandbags or work in the wet using a weighted floating silt curtain. Project construction may require temporary closure of under deck boat crossings and temporary lane closures. Public notification will occur no less than ten days prior to initiation of the work. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.
Delay in approving the project may result in a delay of design, construction, and may jeopardize funding.