Hills Ferry Road Bridge Replacement Project
The Stanislaus County Department of Public Works, in partnership with Merced County, Caltrans, and the Federal Highway Administration, is replacing the Hills Ferry Road Bridge over the San Joaquin River, which connects Interstate 5 and US Highway 99 between Patterson and Los Banos.
Have questions or concerns? Please call our project hotline at 209-703-5873 or email hillsferryproject@gmail.com.
Project Background
The River Road Bridge, built in 1961, needs replacement due to structural weaknesses, safety concerns, and seismic risks. It is classified as "scour critical," indicating significant erosion of its foundation. This vital east-west connection between Interstate 5 and Highway 99 carries thousands of vehicles daily but features narrow lanes and an outdated design that poses safety hazards. In 2020, emergency repairs were necessary due to erosion, highlighting the urgent need for a long-term replacement to ensure safety and reliability.
Project Scope
The River Road Bridge replacement will construct a 750-foot, five-span bridge with better alignment and wider lanes for improved safety and traffic flow. It will feature two 12-foot lanes with 4-to-6-foot shoulders, accommodating all vehicles, including emergency services and trucks. Built north of the existing bridge, it allows traffic to continue using the current bridge during construction. Upgraded approach roads will improve connectivity, while seismic-resistant design and erosion control will ensure durability. The project meets environmental standards (CEQA & NEPA) with bioswales for runoff treatment and bank stabilization. Once complete, the old bridge will be dismantled, leaving a clean transition to the new infrastructure.
Benefits to the Community
Enhanced safety for daily commuters
Enhanced safety for daily commuters
Maintained vital transportation link between I-5 and US-99
Timeline
Project Updates
July/August 2025 Update
The Hills Ferry Bridge construction schedule is scheduled to run from July 7 through August 15, 2025.
July 2025
Construction crews began pile foundation work at Abutment 6 at the beginning of the month. Upon completion of Abutment 6, drilling crews will proceed with pile foundation construction for Piers 3, 4, and 5. This work involves drilling a 10-foot diameter hole approximately 165 feet deep. Once drilling is complete, the reinforcement cage will be lowered into the hole, followed by concrete placement the next day. Construction of each large-diameter pile is expected to take approximately one week. By late July, 80% of all column foundations are anticipated to be complete.
August 2025
August marks the transition from foundation work to visible column and abutment construction for the new Hills Ferry Bridge. Crews will begin the month by completing foundation work at Pier 2 before moving into construction of the abutments and columns. Work will start on the east side of the river at Abutment 6, followed by column construction at Pier 5. This phase includes carpenters assembling formwork for the structures, ironworkers placing and tying rebar within the forms, and concrete placement followed by form removal, exposing the new bridge structures.
Live Cameras
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