If you’re in the mood for a little scenic drive, you might consider a pilgrimage of sorts down to Southern Humboldt this weekend since it’s the last time you’ll be able to cross under the iconic green steel beams of the Honeydew Bridge.

Earlier today, Humboldt County’s Department of  Public Works posted the nostalgia-inducing clip above and note that bridge replacement begins this coming Monday, May 12.

The following bit of history comes from the project outline on the Humboldt County website: 

The Honeydew Bridge was constructed in 1920 as a single-lane bridge with two steel Camelback truss spans. The bridge is supported by a reinforced concrete pier and wing abutments on spread footings. The bridge has timber decking and rails. The total bridge length is 386 feet and the vertical clearance is 14 feet. The bridge is posted to limit truck and bus speeds to 15 miles per hour.

The bridge is classified as functionally obsolete due to geometric constraints, and is incompatible with modern highway use and the need for conveyance of heavy equipment and fire equipment. Projects to widen the existing bridge or increasing its vertical clearance are technically infeasible. The overall sufficiency rating based on a July 15, 2014 inspection by Caltrans Structure Maintenance and Investigations was 13.3. The bridge is considered deficient due to its age, deteriorated condition, elevated maintenance costs, and seismic susceptibility.

The truss structure has repeatedly been struck and damaged by oversized vehicles. Several main truss members and portal cross frames have been replaced, typically with plug welding. The truss portion of the bridge was last painted in the mid-1970s. The County does not have funding for a bridge painting program. The maintenance needs of the bridge are high due to its age, design, and materials of construction.

All things must pass, but at least you have one last chance to roll over the Mattole the way locals have for the past hundred years. Your call.