TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Frank Lucido, Engineering Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids for the “Rossi Bridge Phase 1, RDS 25-25” project.
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve the Plans and Specifications for the “Rossi Bridge Phase 1, RDS 25-25” project and authorization to advertise for sealed bids and opening of the bids at a time, date, and location to be published by the Director of Public Works pursuant to Section 20150.8 of the Public Contract Code. (No Fiscal Impact)
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BACKGROUND
The crossing on Rossi Road that bridges over Conn Creek is unique in that it was originally constructed by private owners in the early 1900’s by placing three iron culverts in the creek and placing soil on top which partially impounded the creek. In the late 1920’s the County assumed responsibility for the road and constructed an additional concrete box culvert and headwall to allow for more capacity. In early February of 2025, a storm event caused significant damage around Napa County including the Rossi Crossing. One of the iron culverts collapsed and the concrete headwall was severely damaged. As a result, the County had to close Rossi Road at the location, which is the only public access to a business and 7 or 8 residences as the site was too unstable. A private property owner allowed limited local traffic access through their property while the site dried out. Eventually, road crews were able to remove some oversaturated soil, the collapsed culvert and place temporary stabilization measures that allowed reopening of the road on March 27, 2025.
On February 7, 2025, a task order was executed for drilling, surveying and preliminary design for the project. The County Board ratified a local emergency proclamation on February 18, 2025, and approved $2,000,000 in funding for the Rossi Road Bridge Repair Project. On March 11, 2025, the Board approved a $348,447 contract with Adko Inc., who was previously selected in a request for qualifications process for storm repair projects to continue design work and environmental review. The final design and environmental documents were submitted to local, state and federal agencies, however permission to work in the creek has not been granted yet. Phase 1 of this project will therefore focus on constructing improvements outside of the creek prior to this coming winter which will make it possible to place a prefabricated bridge onto new abutments if the existing impound fails. The County expects permits for Phase 2 of the project before next summer which will allow for the removal of the earthen impoundment, re-grading the creek and installation of the new bridge. Both phases will require archaeological, cultural and biological monitors and special environmental surveys and closure of the road during most of the construction period.
Requested Action:
Approve the Plans and Specifications for the “Rossi Bridge Phase 1, RDS 25-25” and authorization to advertise for sealed bids.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Roads CIP Project 25034 |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
This action is needed to ensure public and emergency access. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The first phase of the project will be completed in FY 25-26 while the second phase will continue into FY 26-27. The site will also require funding for mitigation planting and reporting for 5-10 more years after the completion of the second phase. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If this project isn’t approved and the region receives moderate rain this winter, there is a good chance that the road will fail and there won’t be a method to restore access until the end of next summer. |
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Additional Information |
The County has executed a temporary access agreement with Rodgers Vineyard which will allow limited use by the residents who live beyond the damaged section of the road during. As part of the agreement, the County will repair damage to the private road in exchange for its use during construction and in case of an emergency. The estimated cost for this access/maintenance through the life of the project is roughly $50,000. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed improvements would be considered Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301 Class 1-Existing Facilities, which includes the operation and repair of existing public or private structures or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing of former use. The proposed improvements would also be considered Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15302, Class 2- Replacement or Reconstruction, which consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. A key consideration in the appropriateness of using these Categorical Exemptions is whether the project would be located on the same site, have substantially the same purpose and involves negligible or no expansion of an existing use. In terms of negligible expansion, the proposed project will generally take place within the existing facility’s footprint and does not include significant expansions beyond existing conditions. The proposed project would allow repair work and improve public safety and ensure the bridge remains safe for use by the Napa County residents and visitors to the area. Therefore, it has been determined that the proposed project qualifies for both a Class 1 and Class 2 Categorical Exemption and has no reasonable possibility of having a significant effect on the environment.