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Board finds necessity and authorizes eminent-domain path for Stephenson Bridge right-of-way to enable rehabilitation
Summary
After staff described structural deficiencies and decades of planning, the board adopted a resolution of necessity to acquire 1.45 acres of right-of-way for Stephenson Bridge rehabilitation and curve realignment, citing federal earmark and Caltrans funding that require progress; vote was unanimous.
The Board of Supervisors found it necessary to acquire by eminent domain 1.45 acres of permanent right-of-way and related construction access for the Stephenson Bridge rehabilitation project and adopted the required resolution of necessity following staff presentation and public comment.
Engineering staff described Stephenson Bridge as a 1923 concrete tied-arch structure with scour and seismic vulnerabilities. The proposed rehabilitation relies on new concrete pilings, carbon-fiber wraps to confine arch/abutment concrete, post-tension cables to address mid-span cracking, guardrail upgrades compatible with the historic character, and realigned approach curves (targeting 25 mph standard) to improve safety. Staff presented a long environmental and design history (feasibility studies beginning in 2006, environmental review concluded in 2016) and said federal earmark funding and Caltrans highway-bridge program funds make timely acquisition necessary to meet project delivery schedules.
Staff explained that the 1.45 acres are on a roughly 280-acre orchard parcel under a family trust; negotiations with trustees produced offers but not full agreement and several trustees objected to valuation and terms. A public commenter with creek-restoration experience urged that the uneconomic remnant created by the realignment be used to widen riparian setback and reduce illegal dumping. A landowner from the trust urged the board to consider a new bridge alignment rather than partial acquisition and said the historic bridge would be better used for pedestrians if a new structure were built.
Supervisor Vasquez moved that the board make the required findings: public interest and necessity, location consistent with the public good and least private injury, necessity of the particular property, and that required offers were made. The board adopted the resolution of necessity by a 5–0 vote.
Quote: "The bridge is necessary and the realignment of the road is necessary," said Supervisor Vasquez as he moved the item.
