Stanislaus County Bridge Project Exceeds Budget by $5.2 Million

Stanislaus County Bridge Project Exceeds Budget

A significant bridge replacement project in Stanislaus County, California, has experienced a $5.2 million cost overrun, primarily due to flood damage sustained over two consecutive years.

Reasons for Cost Overruns

The majority of the additional costs were attributed to severe weather events:

• Winter 2023 Flooding: Atmospheric river storms caused the San Joaquin River to overflow, submerging the construction site. This damaged the trestle, access roads, and platforms.
• Winter 2024 Flooding: Subsequent storms resulted in high water levels that damaged the newly constructed approach roadway.
• Environmental Protection: The discovery of nesting Swainson’s hawks in the area led to delays and additional costs to comply with state regulations.

Funding and Reimbursements

The project was financed through federal and state funds. Stanislaus County expects to receive $5.2 million from Caltrans to cover flood damage repairs and unforeseen expenses. However, the county should have declared a local emergency during the initial flooding to qualify for federal assistance.

Project Details

The project increased in cost from $25.7 million to $30.9 million by its completion. It is a critical connection for vehicles traveling between Modesto and Interstate 5, benefiting residents who frequently use it for commuting and other services.

Crows Landing Road Bridge Replacement Project Details

Project Detail	Value
Project Name	Crows Landing Road Bridge Replacement
Location	Stanislaus County, California, USA
Original Budget	$25.7 million
Final Budget	$30.9 million
Cost Overruns	$5.2 million
Start Date	Not specified
Completion Date	August 2024
Length of Bridge	723 feet

Contractors

The following companies were contracted for the project:

• Security Paving Company: Primary construction contractor.
• HDR Construction Corp.: Provided construction management services.

Key Stakeholders

The key stakeholders involved in the project include:

• Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors: Approved project funding and additional expenditures.
• Caltrans: Expected to reimburse the county for the additional costs.
• Local Communities (Modesto, Newman): Beneficiaries of the improved transportation infrastructure.

Causes of Overruns

The project encountered cost overruns due to:

• Flood damage from storms in 2023 and 2024.
• Environmental protection measures for Swainson’s hawks, a threatened species.

Community Impact

The new bridge is essential for the local community, facilitating transportation between Modesto and Interstate 5. Residents rely on this bridge for commuting, shopping, and entertainment.