This rendering of the proposed $300-million I Street Bridge Replacement Project showcases city views on each side. Rendering courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The California Transportation Commission on June 27 approved $25 million in construction funding for the I Street Bridge Replacement Project, advancing a critical regional effort to build a modern, multi-modal river crossing between West Sacramento and Sacramento.

The funding was awarded on June 27 through the Local Partnership Program made possible by Senate Bill 1. It supports the construction of a new bridge upstream from the existing I Street Bridge.

The new span will connect the growing Washington Neighborhood in West Sacramento with the Sacramento Railyards, serving autos, transit, bikes and pedestrians.

“Building a safe river crossing between the two cities is a priority,” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. “Thank you to the CTC for this critical funding. We look forward to working with Sacramento to get the new bridge built as soon as possible.”

The current I Street Bridge, built in 1911, is no longer adequate for modern traffic safety needs. Its narrow nine-foot lanes can’t accommodate buses or emergency vehicles and the sidewalks do not meet accessibility standards. The replacement project has undergone extensive community engagement and design review, resulting in a signature tied-arch bridge that will serve as an architectural landmark for the region.

Here is a rendering of what the proposed $300-million I Street Bridge Replacement Project could look like. Rendering courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

The project is now 95% designed and fully environmentally-cleared. The City of Sacramento will solicit construction bids in late 2025, with construction beginning mid-2026 and completion expected by 2031.

The existing bridge crossing the Sacramento River will remain in use for rail, while its upper deck is planned to be converted into a pedestrian and bicycle crossing once the new bridge is complete.

With this new allocation, total funding committed to the $300-million project now exceeds $275 million, including a $250-million commitment from Caltrans through the Federal Highway Bridge Program.

The remaining funds will be provided through local sources.