Salem Bridge Replacement Project

Project Information

The City of Chico has obtained funding to replace the structurally deficient and  functionally obsolete Salem Street Bridge over Little Chico Creek. The bridge is located between W. 9^th Street and W. 10^th Street and provides a link between the Barber neighborhood and Downtown. The existing bridge was constructed in 1916 and consists of 64-foot long, 2-span reinforced concrete “T” girders. The bridge suffers from the following deficiencies:

• The bridge width has no shoulders and narrow lengths which do not meet current safety standards for cars and bicyclists.
• The sidewalks have steep approaches which do not meet ADA standards.
• There is erosion at the west abutment, with some undermining of the wall, which is contributing to the failure of the sidewalk.
• Various concrete girders and the overhangs are showing signs of deterioration

To address these concerns, the City is planning to replace the existing structure with a new bridge along the same alignment. The new structure will accommodate 2 lanes of traffic, 5-foot bike lanes, and sidewalks. The proposed improvements will extend approximately 100 feet along Salem Street from either end of the bridge. To facilitate construction, the bridge and a portion of Salem Street will be temporary closed to traffic. The City will be working closely with the area residents to maintain access to their properties during construction.

The project is 100 percent federally funded through the Highway Bridge Program and Toll Credits. The federal funds are being administered through the Caltrans Local Assistance Program.

Project Timeline

Public Outreach

A neighborhood meeting will be held on May 24, 2022 at 5:30PM at the NDGW, Annie K. Bidwell Parlor No. 168, located at 965 Salem Street. A notice for this meeting was sent out on May 10, 2022, and is available below.

Notice for Neighborhood Meeting on May 24, 2022

Neighborhood Update - March 2021

Environmental

Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration

Initial Study

Notice of Determination

MND/MMRP

Technical Appendices:

• Appendix A: Natural Environmental Study
• Appendix B: Draft Delineation of Waters of the U.S.
• Appendix C: Historical Resources Survey Report/Archaeological Survey Report
• Appendix D: Road Construction Emissions Model Output
• Appendix E: Initial Site Assessment
• Appendix F: Final Hydraulic Study
• Appendix G: Construction Noise Technical Memorandum 

Emailed questions may be submitted to tracy.bettencourt@chicoca.gov

Contact Information

If you have questions or would like to provide feedback regarding the project, please email salem.bridge@chicoca.gov and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Project Manager: Noel Carvalho – (530) 879-6900