Editor’s Note May 21: The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved the SR89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project on May 19 in a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Jack Duran as the lone dissenting vote. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is scheduled to vote on the project May 27.
After almost a century of thousands of visitors and cars crossing its path each year, Tahoe City’s famed Fanny Bridge has reached the end of its life. The 87-year-old traffic bridge is considered structurally deficient and in need of historic preservation, as well as structural rehabilitation. Since a new bridge could not accommodate current traffic loads, a proposed plan looks to realign Highway 89 with a two-lane bypass through 64 Acres, while maintaining the bridge for local traffic.
The SR 89/Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization Project addresses the traffic congestion and safety concerns along Highway 89 and in the area of the wye and Fanny Bridge, according to the project description by the Tahoe Transportation District. Improved transit travel times, reliability, and connectivity with the Tahoe City Transit Center, which was completed in 2012, are also project goals.
“Because it serves as the sole vehicular and emergency access and evacuation route across the Truckee River for West Shore residents, Fanny Bridge’s deficiency also poses a safety risk to local residents and visitors,” according to the final environmental impact report, which was released in March.
The report showed that the preferred alternative for the project is to realign Highway 89 with a two-lane bypass through 64 Acres. The new Highway 89/28 intersection would be a single-lane roundabout. The existing section of Highway 89 between Fanny Bridge and the eastern roundabout would be relinquished by the state to Placer County and become a local street, allowing through-traffic and the option to be closed temporarily for community events. A new bridge would be constructed over the Truckee River immediately to the southeast of the roundabout on the realigned highway segment.
The preferred alternative was selected from six alternatives by the Tahoe Transportation District and Federal Highway Administration staff based on environmental findings and public comments. While the 1994 Tahoe City Community Plan identified the need for this project, multiple agencies must still approve the project before it can move forward.
The Tahoe Transportation District Board of Directors certified the document and approved the preferred alternative in April. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Placer County Board of Supervisors, and the Federal Highway Administration all still need to approve the project. If passed, construction could begin in May 2016.
Working out the Kinks
While the lead agencies agree there is a need for the project, some local businesses are concerned that a roundabout at the wye will impact access to their businesses. To address their trepidations, the Tahoe Transportation District Board directed its staff to work with the property owners and come back with an alternative intersection design in place of the roundabout.
Stacie Lyans, executive director for the Tahoe City Downtown Association, said the transportation district has been proactive in walking local business owners through the project and listening to their worries. Because of its controversial elements, Lyans said the organization has not taken a stance on the project.
“There are many businesses that have strong opinions one way or the other,” Lyans said. “We just want what is best for Tahoe City.”
The environmental report showed that several individuals commented on the project and expressed concerns about the removal of trees in 64 Acres, and questioned the need for the project.
Whatever the outcome of the proposed alternatives, certainly Tahoe City and Fanny Bridge will have a new look.
“TCDA wants to make sure businesses are not adversely affected by the project,” Lyans said. “Hopefully some positive things will come out of it.”
To view the final environmental impact report on the project, visit fannybridge.org.
