Construction Delays To South Sacramento Pedestrian Bridge Have Parents Concerned
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A pedestrian bridge in South Sacramento is under construction and the delayed project is causing concern among parents and school staff in the area.
"If it was our kid, there is no way he'd get near that," said Martin Aguirre talking about the torn open gate to the bridge between 47th Street and Florin Road across Highway 99.
The important bridge, which connects two neighborhoods, is causing travel troubles for people and especially students trying to get to school.
"That's the big problem there should be something to tell a kid that they would get in a lot of trouble, or barricades or something," said Aguirre.
Aguirre is one of many parents and faculty from nearby schools concerned about the bridge project that is overdue and unsecure.
"It's a danger, kids are kids, they climb things, they do things they shouldn't do," said Susan Gibson, the Principal at Bowling Green Elementary School.
The bridge has been closed since August, forcing students to find a different way to school. The only options on foot or bike include crossing Highway 99 at 47th Street or Florin Road; both are major interchanges.
"That would be a big concern for me," said Aguirre.
So what's causing the construction hold up?
"The inclement weather has slowed the progress of the work," said Gilbert Mohtes-Chan a spokesperson with Caltrans.
Gilbert Mohtes-Chan says other delays come from night work and lane closures.
The project was scheduled to be completed on October 23. The bridge had been closed since late August.
Mohtes-Chan says the contractor, Viking Construction, still has about a months work left to do.
There will be a community meeting at Fern Bacon Middle school Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. School officials, county supervisors and the public are invited. Topics will include general safety as well as the pedestrian bridge.