Caltrans: Rocky Creek bridge preservation will use electrochemical chloride extraction and require single-lane traffic control

Caltrans staff told the Big Sur byways advisory committee on Nov. 19 that the Rocky Creek Bridge will be preserved using electrochemical chloride extraction (ECE), a bridge‑preservation method intended to remove corrosive salts and extend a structure's service life.

John, the Caltrans project representative who briefed the committee, described ECE as a contractor‑led process that requires scaffolding and substantial equipment placed on the bridge deck. “When the project starts we'll be going down to a one lane traffic control over Rocky Creek related to bridge,” he said, explaining that equipment staging and scaffolding normally occupy half the deck and make two‑lane traffic impractical during active work.

What the work does: ECE is intended to extract chlorides from reinforced concrete and metals to slow corrosion and prolong serviceable life. Caltrans said similar preservation projects have been completed previously on other coastal bridges.

Schedule, duration and traffic impacts: Caltrans said its contractor is on board and the Rocky Creek work will likely begin sometime after the new year. Committee members asked whether multiple bridges could be worked on concurrently and requested a forward‑looking schedule for the sequence of bridge projects along the corridor. Caltrans staff emphasized funding constraints and said keeping to schedule is important to maintain contractor availability. A staff member estimated that ECE can extend a bridge's usable life on the order of “10 to 20” years depending on salt‑water exposure and structural condition.

Community questions and tradeoffs: Residents raised operational concerns — including whether it would be possible to restore bridge rails or perform other maintenance concurrently to avoid repeated single‑lane closures. Caltrans said some activities are out of sync (different funding sources or scopes) but noted the agency will try to coordinate when feasible. Several residents urged more transparency and a longer, published schedule so the community can plan around single‑lane controls.

Safety and mitigation: Panelists asked Caltrans to consider traffic‑management strategies and early public notification. Caltrans said it will continue public outreach via a project website and periodic committee updates and that it will coordinate with local law enforcement to mitigate impacts during daytime and staging activities.

— Reporting from the Nov. 19 BISMAC meeting.