Portola City Council to purchase Bridge Monitoring System

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The Portola City Council approved the purchase of a monitoring system for the Gulling St. Bridge, with costs not exceeding $65,000. Although the decision to buy was made in October, the formal vote occurred at their first 2025 meeting. The system is set to be installed later this month, requiring the rental of a boom lift at $14,830. The council chose the contractor with the lower bid but faced public criticism for not seeking more competitive quotes. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Powers highlighted the complexity of the decision-making process, involving coordination with state agencies like Caltrans. Despite having a healthy surplus, Powers explained that the city cannot afford a full bridge repair, comparing it to the challenge of fixing city streets without the necessary $35 million for underlying infrastructure. Powers emphasized ongoing efforts to secure grants for such projects. The meeting was attended in person by Mayor Jim Murphy, Powers, and Council member Pat Morton, while Leah Turner, Mikki Battaglia, city attorney Steve Gross, and financial advisor Susan Scarlet joined via Zoom.

History:

In December 2024, Cal Trans conducted what they termed a “routine inspection” on the bridge. It was determined that there might be a more critical scouring issue than previously known.  The report recommended limiting traffic to vehicles over 5 tons (10,000 pounds). After discussions, a compromise was reached to enforce a 6-ton limit, restricting loads to 12,000 pounds. As a result, traffic with loads heavier than 12,000 pounds must be diverted. This includes some county snowplows, garbage trucks, school buses, Plumas Transit buses, most big rigs, and similar vehicles.

Caltrans has told the city council that if the bridge moves even a half an inch, the agency will close it. Members of the public criticized the way it is being monitored, who is monitoring it, and the status of its stability.

Ryan Bonk, the newly appointed city manager,  reported the city is finalizing a contract for the installation of a monitoring system. He anticipates the monitoring system will be installed sometime in January.