Avenue 404 over Cottonwood Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025060206
Public Agency
Tulare County
Document Title
Avenue 404 over Cottonwood Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/5/2025
Document Description
The proposed Project aims to replace the 1939 bridge over Cottonwood Creek that was damaged and failed due to catastrophic floodwater flows in March of 2023. In response, a temporary one-lane bridge was installed in 2023 on Avenue 404 over Cottonwood Creek. The temporary single span bridge was built approximately 65 feet downstream from the former bridge to provide temporary access across Cottonwood Creek until a permanent structure can be constructed.
The proposed replacement bridge would be a multi-span cast-in-place reinforced concrete slab bridge or a multi-span precast prestressed (PC/PS) voided slab bridge, measuring approximately 105-feet long by 19-feet wide. The creek banks would be stabilized with riprap, and the new replacement bridge would be built in the same location as the original bridge. Construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2027 and should be completed in approximately 8 months. During this time, Avenue 404 would remain open since the temporary bridge is located downstream of the proposed replacement bridge. Thus, this Project would enhance public safety, provide emergency
access and security, and improve transportation infrastructure for the general population in the region, accommodating both general traffic and large agricultural equipment, vital to the area.
Prior to construction, geotechnical investigations will be performed to determine existing conditions and to test the suitability of the ground to support replacement piers and abutments of the new replacement bridge structure. Geotechnical investigation would include four (4) borings, one boring at each proposed pier and abutment location. No permanent impacts from the geotechnical investigation are anticipated to occur. The borings will be approximately 80 feet deep and 8-10 inches wide. Upon completion, borings will be refilled with soil cutting and natural materials to maintain existing conditions and in accordance with County requirements. Boring activities will take place during the dry season. Beneficiaries of the Project include users of the bridge crossing.
Contact Information
Name
Gary Mills
Agency Name
County of Tulare, Resource Management Agency
Job Title
Chief Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jessica Wills
Agency Name
County of Tulare, Resource Management Agency
Job Title
Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Jennifer Cervantes
Agency Name
County of Tulare, Public Works
Job Title
Project applicant
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
Woodlake
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Unincorporated
Township
16S
Range
26E
Section
22
Other Location Info
approximately 8 miles northwest of the City of Woodlake
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2 Section 15302(c) Replacement or Reconstruction; Class 4 Section15304(f) Minor Alterations to Land; and Class 6 I
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is consistent with the following CEQA exemptions: Statutory Exemption 15269 (a)(b) for emergency projects to repair or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster and necessary to maintain service essential to public health, safety, or welfare; Class 2 Section 15302(c), Replacement or Reconstruction, as activities associated with the Project would include replacement of an existing facility with negligible or no expansion of capacity; Class 4 Section 15304(f),
Minor Alterations to Land minor public or private alterations in the conditions of land, water, and/or vegetation which may involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored to current conditions; and a
Class 6 15306 Information Collection for geotechnical investigations as the data collection would not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource, and whereas the boring activities would be backfilled and surfaces would be restored to
existing conditions. Additionally, consistent with Section 15304, Application by Public Agencies, the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors adopted an exemption for the construction of the aforementioned facilities per the Tulare County Guidelines for the
Implementation of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, Number 300 Section 111. CATEGORICAL EXEMPTIONS Class 2: Replacement or Reconstruction (c). As such, Sections 15302 and 15304 are applicable and appropriate for this Project.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Emergency Projects 15269(a)(b);
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is consistent with the following CEQA exemptions: Statutory Exemption 15269 (a)(b) for emergency projects to repair or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster and necessary to maintain service essential to public health, safety, or welfare; Class 2 Section 15302(c), Replacement or Reconstruction, as activities associated with the Project would include replacement of an existing facility with negligible or no expansion of capacity; Class 4 Section 15304(f),
Minor Alterations to Land minor public or private alterations in the conditions of land, water, and/or vegetation which may involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored to current conditions; and a
Class 6 15306 Information Collection for geotechnical investigations as the data collection would not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource, and whereas the boring activities would be backfilled and surfaces would be restored to
existing conditions. Additionally, consistent with Section 15304, Application by Public Agencies, the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors adopted an exemption for the construction of the aforementioned facilities per the Tulare County Guidelines for the
Implementation of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, Number 300 Section 111. CATEGORICAL EXEMPTIONS Class 2: Replacement or Reconstruction (c). As such, Sections 15302 and 15304 are applicable and appropriate for this Project.
Exempt Status
Declared Emergency
Type, Section or Code
Declared Emergency (Sec. 21080(b)(3);
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is consistent with the following CEQA exemptions: Statutory Exemption 15269 (a)(b) for emergency projects to repair or replace property or facilities damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster and necessary to maintain service essential to public health, safety, or welfare; Class 2 Section 15302(c), Replacement or Reconstruction, as activities associated with the Project would include replacement of an existing facility with negligible or no expansion of capacity; Class 4 Section 15304(f),
Minor Alterations to Land minor public or private alterations in the conditions of land, water, and/or vegetation which may involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees, and minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored to current conditions; and a
Class 6 15306 Information Collection for geotechnical investigations as the data collection would not result in serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource, and whereas the boring activities would be backfilled and surfaces would be restored to
existing conditions. Additionally, consistent with Section 15304, Application by Public Agencies, the County of Tulare Board of Supervisors adopted an exemption for the construction of the aforementioned facilities per the Tulare County Guidelines for the
Implementation of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, Number 300 Section 111. CATEGORICAL EXEMPTIONS Class 2: Replacement or Reconstruction (c). As such, Sections 15302 and 15304 are applicable and appropriate for this Project.
County Clerk
Tulare
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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