Earlier this week, Caltrans invited Ferndale residents to a town meeting to announce that they had completed the emergency repair work to Fernbridge deemed necessary after the December 2022 earthquake. Officials also stated they would now begin seriously discussing Fernbridge’s future viability. Does it make sense to continue to maintain the bridge, which dates back to 1911 and is the longest functional poured concrete bridge in operation in the world? Or is it time make room in our hearts for Fernbridge’s successor?

“We are at the very beginning stages of community outreach and visioning, so no specific alternatives have been proposed or researched,” Caltrans states on a website set up to keep the community informed on Fernbridge developments. “The possibilities are wide open, including what will happen with Fernbridge, the possibility of getting a new bridge, and where that new bridge might be located.”

So what do you think, Humboldt? Decide Fernbridge’s fate now.

# # #

[Enjoy a brief look at the history of Fernbridge in the video below.]