Fanny Bridge Revitalization Project
New bridge across Truckee River under construction.
By Tim Hauserman
Construction began May 1st on the next phase of the Fanny Bridge Community Revitalization project in Tahoe City. The project includes a new bridge across the Truckee River, which will become the main artery between the west shore and Truckee, as well as three new roundabouts, new bike trails, and a short new section of road through the 64 Acres Property.
Footings for the new bridge were installed last fall, and construction will be completed during the summer. The bridge is just east of the Cal-Trans lot, about 1/4 west of Fairway Drive. Access to the bridge from Highway 89 will be via a new roundabout which will be constructed. Once over the bridge, westbound travelers will go through 64 Acres to another roundabout.
Once the new bridge and road is complete, reconstruction of Fanny Bridge will begin. The 87 year old bridge was in need of an earthquake retrofit and there was concern if anything ever happened to that bridge, the West Shore would have no access to Tahoe City. Now once Fanny Bridge is rebuilt, there will be two bridges across the river. The new Fanny Bridge will also have bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides.
Finally, a third roundabout will be constructed to replace the stop light at the Tahoe City Y. The roundabout will provide access to Tahoe City, Save Mart and to Fanny Bridge. New sidewalks, bike trails, crosswalks, and landscaping will also a be a part of the package. As well as a new welcome sign at the entrance to Tahoe City.
Lake Tahoe Dam letting loose water this spring just above Fanny Bridge
The trout fish sculpture near the current traffic light will be dismantled to make room for the roundabout. The search for an alternative location for the fish is still ongoing.
Once complete, the road between the new alignment of Highway 89 and Fanny Bridge will be a local street, which can be closed for events such as farmers markets and arts fairs. It is hoped this section of road, as well as the area between the new Highway 89 alignment and the roundabout near Save Mart, will become more pedestrian friendly and a positive new addition to Tahoe City. There is also an expectation that the three roundabout configuration will help move traffic through Tahoe City more smoothly.