Placer County a step closer to removing bridge debris from American River

The Highway 49 Bridge debris in the North Fork of the American River is one step closer to being removed with the Placer County Board of Supervisors' March 12 approval of an agreement with Dokken Engineering of Folsom for environmental consulting. The State Route 49 Bridge broke into three pieces and was washed away in December 1964, when the partially constructed Hell Hole Dam failed during an atmospheric weather event. The debris was never removed, as construction of the Auburn Dam three miles downstream was authorized, and still lies in a stretch of the river within the Confluence of the Auburn Recreation Area nearly 60 years later. The board approved a fund transfer agreement in February 2023 to receive $8 million from the California 2022-23 budget for the project. "Of course, here we are 60 years later and we do not have a big reservoir down there, and so we're hoping to get all of this debris out of the river, which consists of 750 tons of steel and concrete," said Cheyenne Toney, senior civil engineer for Placer County. "The Confluence is heavily visited by both our community members and tourists. The old bridge is not only a visual blight but has also been a cause of concern for boaters and swimmers. This project is a true environmental remediation project." Toney said Placer solicited proposals for environmental consulting, since the project will require extensive environmental permitting, and two proposals were received. After an extensive review process, a panel made up of members from the county, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, State Parks and Protect American River Canyons selected Dokken Engineering as the most qualified firm. The county confirmed under the $901,703 contract, Dokken will help Placer work with other agencies that oversee water quality and land management to design a program and obtain permits for the project to ensure debris removal is safe for the environment, river and riverbed. Toney also confirmed Placer will bring a contractor on board during the design phase to assist with developing an innovative removal solution. The board approved the agreement in a unanimous 4-0 vote. District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson was absent. Placer County confirmed the project is anticipated to begin in 2026.