California Construction News staff writer
A Sacramento bridge on the city’s Del Rio Trail will be torn down and rebuilt after officials determined the original structure was poorly constructed, did not meet required specifications and could not be repaired.
Although the bridge has never been opened to the public, it was to provide a critical connection across I-5 for the 4.8-mile trail that stretches through south Sacramento.
The bridge, which spans Interstate 5, was designed to serve as a critical connection along the 4.8-mile trail through south Sacramento. It was never opened to the public following the trail’s debut in May 2024 due to structural concerns.
In a letter to the project’s contractor, Mountain Methods Inc., city engineers cited serious deficiencies in the bridge’s concrete and overall construction. The letter noted that the use of lightweight concrete and rebar at the Land Park Underpass Widening was “nonconforming to the contract requirements” and rejected the work.
“I am pleased that we have come to an agreement with the contractor for the replacement of the Del Rio Trail Bridge,” said Councilmember Rick Jennings, who represents the area. “Seeking a resolution that allows repair work on this bridge as quickly as possible was my priority.
“By focusing on working with the contractor we were able to begin construction before resorting to the delays inherent in litigation.”
Work is scheduled to begin this month, with the goal of completing the new bridge by the end of the year. The city is coordinating construction efforts with Caltrans and California State Parks.
The Del Rio Trail is a major active transportation corridor that connects neighborhoods, parks, and other regional trail systems in south Sacramento. City leaders say replacing the failed bridge is critical to restoring the full functionality of the trail.
