California Construction News staff writer
The City of Sacramento is making significant progress toward breaking ground on the long-awaited I Street Bridge Replacement Project, a major infrastructure initiative to replace the existing 113-year-old bridge with a modern, multimodal crossing connecting Sacramento and West Sacramento.
At the July 29 Sacramento City Council meeting, city staff provided an update on the project’s funding and financing plan, highlighting recent commitments of state and federal funds that have paved the way for construction to begin in 2026. Ongoing efforts to finalize interagency financing agreements are also advancing.
“This is not just a bridge; it’s a once-in-a-generation investment in connectivity, safety and opportunity for both cities,” said Assistant City Manager Ryan Moore. He thanked local, regional, state, and federal partners for their continued collaboration to realize the project.
The new bridge will feature 12-foot-wide shared-use paths for pedestrians and cyclists, wider lanes designed to accommodate buses and emergency vehicles, and enhanced connections to nearby trails and regional destinations. The existing 1911 I Street Bridge will be preserved and repurposed as a bicycle and pedestrian-only crossing on its upper deck.
Estimated to cost $300 million, the project has received a $250 million federal Highway Bridge Program grant from Caltrans and an additional $25 million in state funding awarded by the California Transportation Commission this summer.
The City of Sacramento is actively working with the City of West Sacramento to finalize cost-sharing agreements, with each city expected to contribute between $13 million and $32 million based on the final financing structure. These agreements are scheduled for further Sacramento City Council review and approval in September.
Strong leadership has been critical in advancing the project. U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui has championed the initiative since its inception, including proposing the architectural design competition that influenced the bridge’s distinctive appearance. State Senators Angelique Ashby and Christopher Cabaldon have also been key advocates, supporting funding efforts and fostering interagency cooperation.
Next steps include presenting the financing strategy to the Sacramento Transportation Authority and submitting a final finance plan to Caltrans.
Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and is expected to take approximately four years to complete, promising a safer, more accessible, and more connected crossing for communities on both sides of the river.
