Folsom cheers new bridge

By Mr. Chris Graygarcia (USACE)March 31, 2009

Folsom cheers new bridge
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Sacramento District Engineer Col. Tom Chapman celebrates the opening of the Folsom Lake Crossing bridge in Folsom, Calif. The bridge opened to traffic in a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 28, 2009, re... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Folsom cheers new bridge
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A cyclist passes beneath the newly-completed Folsom Lake Crossing bridge in Folsom, Calif. The bridge opened to traffic in a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 28, 2009, reconnecting a major regional transportation corridor serving m... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Folsom Lake Crossing bridge in Folsom, Calif., opened to traffic in a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 28, 2009, reconnecting a major regional transportation corridor serving more than 22,000 vehicles daily.

Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Sacramento District-administered project in 2003, following the closure of nearby Folsom Dam Road for security concerns after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"Completing a project of this magnitude from planning to funding and construction in just six years is a phenomenal accomplishment," said Folsom Mayor Steve Miklos. "Commuters owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Congressional Representatives, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all the bridge partners who put this important project on a fast-track for completion."

Construction of the 1,000 foot-long bridge began in March 2007, and was completed in March 2009 on an expedited schedule. The project cost - $139 million - was shared by state and Federal agencies, including the Corps of Engineers, and the City of Folsom.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is thrilled to be part of opening this vital traffic corridor for the Folsom, Placer and El Dorado communities," added Sacramento District Engineer U.S. Army Col. Tom Chapman. "The speed of this project is truly an accomplishment and would not have been possible without the tremendous collaboration of our partners and Congressional delegation."

An estimated 10,000 people attended the opening ceremony, walking the bridge before it was opened to traffic. Assistant Secretary of the Army John P. Woodley, Jr., representatives from the Corps of Engineers' Sacramento District, the City of Folsom, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Reps. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento and Dan Lungren, R-Gold River also attended.

"Today is an exciting day for the City of Folsom and the region," said Lungren. "A lot of planning and hard work has gone into this remarkable bridge and I consider myself fortunate to have played a part in its completion.Aca,!A?

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