SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Plans are moving forward to replace the Live Oak Canal bridge at Sanders and Larkin roads after the Sutter County Board of Supervisors approved project plans and authorized staff to move toward bidding the work.

County officials said the replacement project is intended to improve the long-term reliability of the crossing and maintain safe travel for motorists using the rural roadway.

The board on March 10 approved adoption of the project plans and specifications and authorized the county to solicit bids for the bridge replacement project. The action also authorizes the county to execute a maintenance agreement with Reclamation District 777 related to the canal crossing.

Development Services Director Neal Hay told supervisors the approval allows the county to move forward with advertising the project for construction bids once remaining environmental permitting issues are resolved.

Hay said county staff had met earlier in the day with environmental consultants and regulatory agencies and identified a potential delay involving state permits.

“There’s a slight wrinkle regarding the environmental permits for the project,” Hay said, noting the county may need additional coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife before proceeding with the bidding process.

Even with the possible delay, Hay said approving the plans and specifications now allows the county to move quickly once the permitting issues are resolved.

Supervisors briefly discussed the request before voting to approve the item, allowing staff to proceed with the next phase of the project.

The project involves replacing the existing bridge structure where Sanders and Larkin roads cross the Live Oak Canal in rural Sutter County.

The county is replacing the bridge because it has a low sufficiency rating and the intersection geometry at Sanders and Larkin roads is considered poor, officials said. The project will also include realignment of a portion of the Live Oak Canal within the roadway right-of-way and drainage easement. The maintenance agreement with Reclamation District 777 will address responsibilities related to the canal infrastructure where the bridge is located.

Once environmental permits are finalized, the county will advertise the project for bids and return to the board with a contract recommendation after proposals are received.

Construction is expected to involve demolition, excavation, concrete work and roadway improvements, and will likely require closing the road segment for several months with detours posted for motorists, officials said.