A state agency has kicked off the long road to replace an aging and narrow bridge at the southeastern edge of Lompoc where several pedestrians have died, but the final fix remains years away.

Caltrans representatives conducted a public meeting last Thursday that drew 25 people to Lompoc City Hall regarding the replacement of the Robinson Bridge spanning the Santa Ynez River on Highway 246, west of Sweeney Road. The state agency also offered a virtual option to attend the meeting. 

Representatives presented four options with two including a 6-foot-wide sidewalk only on the eastbound side of the bridge and two others including a sidewalk on the eastbound side plus an 11-foot-wide multi-use path on the westbound side.

Options under consideration include possible construction method alternatives — pre-cast or cast-in-place concrete for columns below the bridge’s deck — and the number of piers in the riverbed.

The design chosen for the final project will consider public comments, cost, ease to build, environmental impacts and more, Caltrans representatives said.

“I think it’s important to remember human lives because a lot of people died on that bridge. It’s really important to have that number as well,” Mayor Jim Mosby said.

“We always have in mind safety not just in design, but also during construction,” John Olejnik of Caltrans said. 

The existing bridge, built in 1939, has one lane in each direction and nearly nonexistent shoulders, leaving no room for pedestrians or bicyclists.

Inspections also have identified scour, or erosion around concrete columns that could lead to bridge failure under certain conditions.

The span sees a regular number of pedestrians and cyclists heading to and from the BridgeHouse Shelter on nearby Sweeney Road and other areas on the east side of the Lompoc Valley.

Along with installing a wider bridge, the project also involves fixing pavement, dealing with some drainage issues related to multiple culverts, and upgrading guardrails.

The design for a new bridge also factors in potential flooding involving the Santa Ynez River.

“A new Robinson Bridge would be designed so it would not be overtopped by a 100-year flood,” said Erin Henry, an environmental scientist for Caltrans.

They also plan fewer pier, or concrete columns, when designing the new bridge.

In preparation for the project, Caltrans conducted an environmental analysis and determined limited significant impacts with most able to be mitigated. 

Mitigation measures and additional permits would be needed related to some species, including the California red-legged frog and the California tiger salamander.

While the meeting marked a key milestone, the replacement bridge’s installation and other road improvements remain years away. 

The project price tag is estimated at $92 million to $118 million, which includes the bridge plus other work for the stretch of road. The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments will provide more than $9 million. 

After completing environmental documents this summer, the project’s design should be done in October 2028. 

Construction could begin in April 2030 and be completed by August 2034, according to the timeline. 

Highway 246 will be open during construction, but lane closures are likely and drivers may experience delays. Pedestrians and cyclists also will be accommodated during the construction, Caltrans officials said. 

Comments regarding the proposed project must be submitted to Caltrans by the June 15 deadline.  

Written comments can be sent by mail to Lucas Marsalek, District 5 Environmental Division, California Department of Transportation, 50 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. 

Comments also can be sent by email to lucas.marsalek@dot.ca.gov by June 15.