Old Eel River bridge demolition continues near Rio Dell as Caltrans clears piers 2-4

Caltrans crews are removing the old southbound Eel River Bridge on U.S. 101 near Rio Dell, with the remaining structure and Piers 2-4 expected down by end of September and a temporary rock berm cleared by mid-October. River work pauses for winter under permit restrictions until June 15, though crews will continue abutment forming, rebar work and barrier rail replacement outside the channel. Pile installation for the new seismic-compliant bridge is set to begin next summer, with traffic still split one lane each direction on the southbound span.