Medio / Miramar Bridge Stairs Construction Required as Mitigation for the Armoring to Keep Bridge in Same Place, rather than Moving the Bridge Inland

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EMAILS. From the California Coastal Commission (CCC) Staff, Eric Martinez, and San Mateo Department of Public Works (DPW) Deputy Director, Krzysztof Lisaj. 

 

From Erik Martinez on July 19th, 2023

Hi Gregg (Dieguez, Midcoast Community Council Chair),

As we all know, COVID caused a lot of delays both in contractor availability and supply chain issues. The project is located in a very dynamic environment and only allows for certain construction time frames per permitting conditions from our agency and other regulatory agencies. In addition, the severe winter storms caused additional delays. Our permit conditions required the bridge to be open by May 27, 2023, but given the circumstances, an extension was granted until September 31, 2023.

This extension will allow for several public access amenities to be constructed including a concrete staircase, sidewalk, paving, bench/table, signage, bicycle racks, waste and recycling receptacles, doggie stations and fencing and railings. I understand the community’s frustration about the bridge being in place but not in use, but it is to ensure the safety of the public in a construction area.

 

These public access amenities were added as a part of the mitigation package for the armoring required to keep the bridge in its current location instead of relocating it inland. I understand that there is an access point north of the bridge that is currently in use, but the staircase was added to provide additional, safer access to the beach given that there was already an unofficial access path in the same location.

 

We know this has been a long process and your patience is appreciated. The DPW is working as fast as possible to get the bridge and the amenities in place to provide the public with the better and safer access to the beach.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. However, anything construction related should be directed to the DPW.

 

-Erik Martinez (email: [email protected])

 

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From San Mateo Department of Public Works (DPW)

Gregg Dieguez (MCC Chair),

 

I understand the collective frustration regarding the duration of the closure, and I would like to assure you that we are nearing the final stages of the Mirada Road Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project (Project). As many of you are aware, this project is of a complex nature, necessitating coordination with several government agencies. Due to various factors, the construction has taken longer than initially anticipated.

 

The Department is bound to adhere to multiple environmental permits, including those issued by the California Coastal Commission (CCC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Army Corps of Engineers, among others. These permits impose specific work windows for the project, contributing to the delay in restarting construction until June. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions have impacted the project, necessitating additional de-watering efforts.

 

Regarding the stairs and beach access, they are not optional but rather a requirement stipulated by the CCC permit. Obtaining approval from the Project was challenging and we would not have been able to move forward with the Project without including the stairs. The Department agreed to the permit conditions and is committed to installing the stairs to ensure compliance.

 

Currently, the Contractor is actively engaged in installing the staircase, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. This process involves pouring the stairs in sections, necessitating sufficient time for forming, pouring, and curing before proceeding to the next section. We have explored the possibility of a temporary opening of the bridge with the Contractor; however, our analysis suggests that such an interim measure would only extend the overall project completion time and add cost. Our primary aim is to provide the Contractor with unimpeded access to the site, maximizing their efficiency and productivity.

 

Once the concrete stairs are fully completed, we will reassess the situation to determine the feasibility of opening the bridge after hours and weekends. As the stair work constitutes one of the final major efforts on the project, we believe there may be an opportunity to permit limited public use during periods when the Contractor is not actively working on the site. We will keep you informed as this assessment progresses.

 

I hope this additional information clarifies the situation and addresses the concerns you raised. Please rest assured that we are working diligently to bring this project to a timely and successful completion. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this process.

 

Krzysztof Lisaj, P.E. (he/him)

Deputy Director

Engineering and Resource Protection

Department of Public Works

[email protected]

 

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