Traffic Way Bridge Detour to Begin May 19, 2025

ARROYO GRANDE, CA – The Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project – the City’s largest project to date - is officially underway. A full closure of the bridge between Station Way (Station Way will remain open) and West Branch Street will begin on Monday, May 19, 2025. A detour will be in place through November 2025 to accommodate construction. All driveways to businesses along Traffic Way will remain open and accessible throughout the duration of the project.

The Traffic Way Bridge spans the Arroyo Grande Creek and connects Traffic Way to West Branch Street. This arterial roadway serves approximately 11,000 vehicles per day. To help alleviate traffic impacts during the closure, the City has implemented several temporary traffic control measures. A traffic circle has been installed at the Arroyo Grande High School entrance allowing for safe and legal left turns from the school parking lot. This change is expected to reduce the volume of traffic that would typically be directed toward Traffic Way and the bridge. In addition, two temporary traffic signals will be installed - one at the Fair Oaks Avenue freeway exit, and another at the intersection of Bridge Street and West Branch Street - to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along the detour routes.

Constructed in 1932, the 91-year-old bridge is approaching the end of its typical 100-year design life. Recent inspections identified significant structural concerns, including deck cracking, failed expansion joints, spalling concrete, abrasion, and erosion within the creek channel. In 2018, engineers determined that in addition to scour, the bridge’s foundation is vulnerable in terms of bearing capacity—prompting the need for full replacement.

Construction of the Traffic Way Bridge Replacement Project is estimated at $11 million, with the majority of funding provided by the Federal Highway Bridge Program. Construction activities will require a full closure of Traffic Way at the bridge location; however, detour routes will be clearly marked, and business access will be maintained at all times.

For project updates, detour maps, and additional details, please visit: www.arroyogrande.org/TWB