Bohemian Highway Bridge (County of Sonoma)
A change in plans for a bridge over the Russian River. CalTrans has informed the County of Sonoma that it will not be able to pay for a full replacement of the dilapidated Bohemian Highway Bridge in Monte Rio, as it is currently planned. Instead, they will invest about $25-million into the current structure to bring it up to modern seismic safety standards. Fifth district supervisor Lynda Hopkins called it “an incredibly frustrating situation, and our community deserves better.” A new bridge would have a 75-year life expectancy versus a 15-year lifespan for a retrofitted bridge. While the retrofitting will occur, the county will also continue to seek further funding options for a full replacement.