(FOX40.COM) — The California Transportation Commission approved $25 million in construction funding for the I Street Bridge Replacement Project on Friday. It said it is advancing a critical regional effort to build a modern, multi-modal river crossing between West Sacramento and Sacramento.
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The funding was reportedly awarded through the Local Partnership Program, made possible by Senate Bill 1. It supports the construction of a new bridge upstream from the existing I Street Bridge. The new span will connect the growing Washington Neighborhood in West Sacramento with the Sacramento Railyards, serving autos, transit, bikes, and pedestrians.
“Building a safe river crossing between the two cities is a priority,” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. “Thank you to the CTC for this critical funding. We look forward to working with Sacramento to get the new bridge built as soon as possible.”
The current I Street Bridge, built in 1911, is no longer adequate for modern traffic safety needs, according to CTC. Its narrow nine-foot lanes can’t accommodate buses or emergency vehicles, and the sidewalks do not meet accessibility standards. CTC said the replacement project has undergone extensive community engagement and design review, resulting in a signature tied-arch bridge that will serve as an architectural landmark for the region.
The project is now 95% designed and fully environmentally cleared, according to CTC. The City of Sacramento is expected to solicit construction bids in late 2025, with construction beginning mid-2026 and completion expected by 2031. CTC said the existing bridge crossing the Sacramento River will remain in use for rail, while its upper deck is planned to be converted into a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once the new bridge is complete.
With this new allocation, total funding committed to the $300 million project now exceeds $275 million, including a $250 million commitment from Caltrans through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, according to CTC. Remaining funds will reportedly be provided through local sources.
