Neighbors ask board to pull Toro Creek Bridge item over fire-season and access concerns; Public Works defends federal standards

A member of the public told the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on July 8 that the proposed Toro Creek Bridge replacement should be pulled for closer review, arguing the federally funded design would create an oversized two-lane structure at the terminus of a lightly traveled county road and could complicate evacuation and firefighting during high fire season.

Baxter Boyington urged supervisors to remove Item 21 from the consent agenda, saying the county had chosen federal funding that requires urban-standards construction — "a wrong bridge to nowhere" — and that construction traffic during a high fire season could impede evacuations and first-responder access.

John Waddell of Public Works responded that the project is 100% federally funded and that federal bridge program standards set a minimum 20-foot width; the existing structure is 12 feet. Waddell said the replacement will provide two 10-foot lanes suitable for heavy equipment and that the design speed is 25 mph. Public Works estimated approximately 175 truck trips over a planned six-month construction period, concentrated around three major concrete pours.

Waddell said the project will reduce the county’s maintenance liability by replacing an older single-lane structure and will preserve one of the primary accesses to federal forest lands important for firefighting operations.

Board members asked clarifying questions and accepted the explanation that federal funding and program minimums guided the bridge dimensions. Supervisors noted they appreciated the chance to hear public concerns before the consent vote and to confirm mitigation measures and traffic management during construction.

Next steps: The project remains on the consent agenda; supervisors addressed public concerns during the proceedings and accepted Public Works’ explanation of standards and mitigation planning.