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County faces bridge-match shortfalls and rising pavement costs; residents press for temporary repair at Cocheti crossing
Summary
Public Works warned of a multi-million-dollar local match shortfall to advance bridge projects and higher pavement costs; residents and farmers urged re-sequencing and a temporary crossing at Cocheti (Chiqueti) Road to restore access while permitting proceeds.
San Luis Obispo County Public Works told the Board of Supervisors the county is positioned to deliver many highway bridge projects but faces local-match shortfalls and growing construction and overhead costs that will squeeze pavement maintenance funding.
Joshua Roberts, Transportation Division Manager, said the county expects to complete up to 17 bridges by the end of the current multi-year program but will need $7.1 million in local matching funds in the coming fiscal year, mostly to support the South Bay Boulevard bridge project. He said short-term advanced-construction loans from Caltrans have helped the county accelerate projects but create timing and local-match pressure.
Roberts highlighted three storm-damage projects (Chimney Rock, Cocheti/Chiqueti and Creston) that together are projected to exceed $20 million. Creston is eligible for Highway Bridge Program funds but reimbursements come only after project completion; Chimney Rock and Cocheti remain dependent on FEMA grant approvals and uncertain timing.
The county’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is roughly 60 countywide; staff said continued funding at previous levels will hold but not raise that figure. Construction cost escalation and increased countywide overhead and insurance charges have pushed per-mile overlay and surface-treatment costs well above prior years; the road fund’s contribution to county overhead rose from about $1.4 million in 2017–18 to about $5.4 million in the upcoming budget.
Several residents and local farming representatives urged the board to re-sequence the Wasna Bridge and Cocheti repairs so a temporary crossing could be installed at Cocheti to preserve local access during construction. Speakers from the Branch Mill/Chiqueti corridor and agriculture operations said the closure has caused accidents, delayed emergency response and increased costs and safety risks for large equipment.
Supervisor Paulding asked staff to pursue resequencing, explore whether a temporary bridge installation could be reimbursable from federal programs and report back with funding options. Public Works said temporary bridges present cost and seasonal constraints but staff will continue to pursue permit and funding pathways and keep the board updated.
