Major Bridge Completed in Timbuctoo
Aug 04, 2021 12:00AM ● By Caltrans News Release
The project that widened and realigned the roadway in the Timbuctoo area was celebrated by (left to right): Laura Nicholson of state Sen. Jim Nielsen's office, Caltrans North Region Construction Chief Andy Alvarado, Charles Marrow of Flat Iron Construction, Yuba County Supervisor Randy Fletcher, State Sen. Jim Nielsen, Timbuctoo resident Rebekah Carlson, Yuba County Supervisor Gary Bradford, Braden Pisani of Assemblyman James Gallagher's office, Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal, Caltrans Project Manager Johny Tan and Caltrans Program/Project Management Deputy Director Greg Wong. Photo: Caltrans
"Caltrans recognizes the importance of preserving iconic landmarks and letting residents and visitors know about Timbuctoo’s past”
YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Caltrans and its partners today celebrated the completion of a crucial $54 million roadway improvement and bridge construction project on State Highway 20 in Timbuctoo.
“Safety is Caltrans’ top priority. This project greatly improves safety by straightening curves, constructing a new bridge and realigning the roadway,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal. “I applaud our Caltrans construction team and Flatiron Construction for completing work in less than two construction seasons.”
More than 8,000 vehicles and approximately 500 trucks per day use this segment of Highway 20.
“Highway 20 is an important artery and economic link in the Yuba-Sutter region. It was vital that we improve this highway for the safety of motorists and residents,” said Yuba County Supervisor Randy Fletcher.
The project provides a longer lasting, smoother roadway and improves safety by straightening curves, constructing a new bridge, widening shoulders, creating an eastbound passing lane and building standard 12-foot wide traffic lanes.
In addition, the project will also include a Timbuctoo Historical Plaza at the Yuba River vista point along Timbuctoo Place near the Parks Bar Bridge. The plaza, which will feature a monument marker, seating area and unique weathered greenstone boulders from the Yuba River, recognizes the history the original Parks Bar Bridge and the community of Timbuctoo, a once vibrant gold rush-era town with bustling stores and a Wells Fargo stop. With only a handful of residents today, Timbuctoo staked its claim as the largest town in eastern Yuba County in the 1850s.
“Yuba County has a rich history dating back to the beginning of statehood,” Benipal said. “Caltrans recognizes the importance of preserving iconic landmarks and letting residents and visitors know about Timbuctoo’s past.”
Caltrans District 3 maintains more than 4,385 lanes miles of state highway in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. For real-time traffic information, go to http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or download the free Caltrans QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play.
