Caltrans reports progress on U.S. 101 bridge abutments, decorative motifs and summer construction milestones

Jeff, a Caltrans representative, told the HCOG board on Feb. 20 that both abutments for the northbound and southbound approaches on the U.S. 101 bridge are now complete and that crews were removing forms from the southern abutment the day of his site visit.

Jeff said crews will begin placing soil and lightweight foam fill adjacent to the abutments to raise the approach elevation and align the roadway with the bridge. He described the foam as “lightweight fill…foam blocks that we'll be placing in lieu of soil.”

He reported the northbound on- and off-ramps have been constructed, while work remains on the southbound ramps, a half-signal at Airport Road and decommissioning median crossings between Eureka and Arcata. Jeff said the project had better winter weather and materials onsite, allowing more progress this season.

The project includes decorative wildlife motifs cast into the abutment forms; Jeff noted the motif became visible as the forms were removed and that Caltrans is open to opportunities to publicize those art features.

Caltrans’ current timeline calls for bridge construction to be complete by early summer, with traffic possibly placed on one direction of the mainline by the end of the year; a two-direction opening is a possibility but remains uncertain, Jeff said.

Board members suggested a public unveiling or ribbon-cutting to highlight exposed artwork as forms are removed; Caltrans said it would explore opportunities with management and public-affairs staff.

No formal action or votes were taken on the construction update; the report was informational.