Slightly OT: 7/10: Wohler Bridge Update
Megan Arnold
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:37 AM
To: Joyce Chang <joyce6...@gmail.com>; Chatty SRCC <src...@lists.sonic.net>
Subject: Re: [Chatty] Fwd: 7/10: Wohler Bridge Update
From: Diana Callaway <Diana.C...@sonomacounty.gov>
Date: Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Subject: 7/10: Wohler Bridge Update
To: Diana Callaway <Diana.C...@sonomacounty.gov>
Cc: Johannes Hoevertsz <Johannes....@sonomacounty.gov>
Wohler Bridge remains closed to all traffic through October 30 as construction continues.
Dear Neighbors,
Over the past two weeks, crews reached a major milestone with the complete removal of the bridge deck. With the concrete driving surface now removed, engineers and construction crews have full access to inspect the bridge's steel framework and continue critical structural repairs.
Current work includes strengthening the existing floor beams, removing rust, and cleaning and painting steel components. Crews are also preparing for a future phase of the project that will replace the bridge's original roller bearings with modern seismic isolation bearings. These specialized bearings are designed to allow the bridge to move safely during an earthquake, improving the bridge's long-term seismic resilience.
An interesting fact shared by our project engineer: although the bearings support the bridge by resting on top of the piers, they aren't affected by the weight of passing vehicles. Instead, they're engineered to accommodate movement during a seismic event, while the bridge's normal expansion and contraction from temperature changes is handled by built-in gaps in the steel structure.
Along the riverbanks, crews have been constructing gravel work pads to provide stable surfaces for cranes and other heavy equipment that will be used during upcoming construction activities. Concrete sections from the removed bridge deck are also being broken into smaller pieces and transported to a recycling facility.
Environmental monitoring and restoration activities continue alongside construction to help protect the surrounding habitat throughout the project.
As construction moves through this phase, our email updates will focus on significant milestones, schedule changes, and other noteworthy developments. During periods of steady, ongoing work, we may not send a weekly update.
In the meantime, we invite you to follow Sonoma Public Infrastructure on social media, where we'll continue sharing photos and videos from the project. Recent posts include behind-the-scenes views of the bridge deck removal, and (posting today) 360-degree images captured by one of the project's inspecting engineers, and other unique perspectives that showcase the progress taking place.
We remain committed to keeping the community informed and will continue sharing updates as meaningful milestones are reached or new information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work to preserve and strengthen Wohler Bridge for the future.
Sincerely,
Diana
Resources
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonomaCoPI/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonomacountypi/
Share and encourage others to sign-up for updates (with road repair project name in the subject heading): Enga...@sonomacounty.gov
Report road repair needs: SoCo Connect
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Diana Callaway Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Communications & Outreach Manager |
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