Sacramento Receives $70 Million Federal Grant To Build New I Street Bridge
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It's the other bridge that connects Sacramento to West Sacramento: the old I Street Bridge. Federal officials have approved funds to begin building a new one, and the timing couldn't be better.
At 102 years old and with only one lane in each direction, the I Street Bridge can sometimes be a dangerous way to travel.
"Folks avoid it because it feels so unsafe and it is, so I think it's important for safety and making the waterfront area more comfortable," said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon.
The city of Sacramento just got word they'll receive a $77 million grant to go toward the project expected to cost $86 million.
"It was designed for a different era when we didn't have cyclists, and cars were smaller," said Cabaldon.
With news of a new arena being built downtown, Cabaldon says this couldn't come at a better time, as it will help connect Sacramento and West Sacramento.
"Both communities have been investing in parks and levee improvements and some of the other roads needed to connect to the bridge," said Cabaldon.
The new bridge will be movable with more lanes and the potential for other types of transportation.
"We're even thinking of throwing in extra width to perhaps accommodate a street car loop," said Jerry Way, the director of public works for the city of Sacramento.
It will maintain the same height of the current I Street Bridge, but will be a little farther to the north.
"When we get through with our design and environmental process, what we're going to end up with is an iconic masterpiece for this region," said Way.
The new bridge is expected to be completed by 2019. Requests for proposals are now being accepted and the hope is the design will be decided on by December.
