The City of Goleta is looking to remove and replace the Lake Los Carneros Footbridge, which has been closed since 2020 because of significant rot of the wooden structure.
The cost to remove the bridge that’s more than 30 years old is estimated to be more than $500,000, and replacement of the bridge is unfunded but estimated to be “well over $2 million.”
The city’s Public Works Department is putting together a team to coordinate state and federal regulatory permits for removal and to develop conceptual designs for bridge replacement with the community’s feedback.
The footbridge was closed in 2020, and a structural assessment conducted by an independent, licensed structural engineer determined that the bridge would need to remain closed and be demolished because of significant levels of decay.
“Lake Los Carneros is one of the city’s premier open spaces, and the footbridge provided generations of Goletans inspiring opportunities to observe wildlife in the natural habitat,” said George Thomson, Goleta parks and open space manager. “Removing the rotted bridge, while protecting the sensitive wetland habitats, is the initial phase of this project.
“As bridge replacement designs are developed in 2023, we look forward to collaborating with the community to ensure the new bridge is compatible with our limited funding, can be easily maintained, and will provide the next generation a window into the wonders of Lake Los Carneros.”
Goleta community relations manager Kelly Hoover said that removal of the bridge is tentatively scheduled for 2024.
— Noozhawk staff writer Serena Guentz can be reached at sguentz@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.