Why is traffic so messed up coming into Eureka? Many confused motorists have no doubt asked this question recently since Caltrans began work on the southbound Eureka Slough bridge on Highway 101 several weeks ago. Apparently, the bridge’s foundation is messed up and deteriorating, and it needed emergency stabilization.

Originally reported by the Times-Standard earlier this week, Caltrans says the repairs are immediately necessary, and has pressed the Coastal Commission to grant Caltrans two emergency permits to allow it to repair defective support columns (piles, in civil-engineering parlance). Several environmental groups, including Humboldt Waterkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation, asked the commission to ensure that Caltrans ensures the safety and well-being of nearby marine life. 

Caltrans spokesman Myles Cochrane told the Outpost via email that Caltrans was monitoring and protecting the environment’s health.

“Caltrans is conducting hydroacoustic and marine mammal monitoring and maintaining a shutdown zone to minimize potential disturbance to harbor seals and other marine mammals,” Cochrane wrote. Drivers should keep expecting a lane to be closed while the construction crew works on the bridge’s foundation, he added. Their work will be completed in the upcoming months. 

“Crews are doing a great job keeping traffic moving as the lanes on the southbound bridge are shifted over a bit,” Cochrane wrote. “101 in Eureka is open and safe for travel. We appreciate the public’s patience and encourage drivers to slow down, stay alert and cruise safely through the cone zone while this job goes on.”