Today, Friday, May 1, Yolo County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Angel Barajas hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the replacement of the County Road (CR) 41 bridge over Cache Creek, commonly known as the “Rumsey Bridge.” Originally constructed in 1930, the nearly 100-year-old bridge is located on CR 41 just northeast of Highway 16 in Rumsey. It has been identified by Caltrans to be structurally deficient and nearing the end of its service life. Yolo County submitted the bridge for replacement funding in 2010 and was accepted into the program in 2011.

“This project reflects years of collaboration with the community and our partners,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Angel Barajas. “We are proud to invest in infrastructure that supports our rural communities while honoring the history and significance of the Rumsey Bridge.”

Following extensive public outreach and a feasibility study conducted by the County’s bridge design consultant, Consor, the Board of Supervisors approved a replacement strategy on December 15, 2015. The project includes construction of an approximately 400-foot long, three span, cast-in-place prestressed concrete box girder bridge with 28 feet of clear width between concrete barriers. 

The new bridge would be constructed just west (upstream) of the existing bridge along a new alignment. County Road 41 will also be realigned to intersect Highway 16 at a safer, perpendicular angle, improving traffic flow and safety. The existing bridge will remain open during construction to maintain access. The bridge also serves as a critical access route for emergency response and fire operations in the Capay Valley, including use as part of regional fire access and evacuation routes.

The Rumsey Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a rare and significant example of a concrete tied-arch bridge in California. Because the bridge will be replaced, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed on December 4, 2019, between the State of California and Yolo County to address historical mitigation requirements. These include installation of an on-site monument highlighting the bridge’s history, engineering features, and its significance. The Rumsey Improvement Association, Greater Capay Valley Historical Society, and the Yolo County Historical Society all concurred with the mitigation plan.

Over the past six years, the County has completed an environmental review, secured right-of-way for the new bridge alignment, and finalized engineering plans and specifications. County staff also worked closely with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation throughout the process to ensure an acceptable design and alignment.

The project is fully funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program, allowing the County to deliver this improvement through external funding sources. Bids were opened on January 29, 2026, with Steelhead Constructors of Redding submitting the lowest responsive bid at $9,862,680. Construction is expected to take approximately 250 working days. During the 2026 construction season (May through October), crews will build the new bridge upstream while keeping the existing bridge open to traffic. In 2027, the project will move into its final phase, including removal of the existing bridge and completion of the roadway.

As work progresses, the contractor will provide advance notifications to nearby residents and coordinate with the community. A rafting detour plan is also being developed by the contractor to allow for the safe passage of recreational users through the construction zone during both construction seasons.

Motorists should expect minor delays during construction and are advised to slow down and follow all posted signs and flaggers in the work zone. Access to local properties and businesses will be maintained. For the County’s Road Closures Map, visit www.YoloCounty.gov/Road-Closures.