AWMA Bridge Closure

AWMA Bridge Closure

South Orange County Wastewater Authority proposes to close and remove the privately owned bridge that crosses Aliso Creek on AWMA Road near the intersection of Alicia Parkway and AWMA Road in the City of Laguna Niguel, Orange County, CA. The wooden bridge was originally constructed by Aliso Watershed Management Agency (AWMA, now SOCWA) in 1979 to allow workers access to the SOCWA Coastal Treatment Plant (CTP) located approximately three miles downstream and adjacent to Aliso Creek. The bridge was constructed by AWMA in an easement on what is now County property to provide temporary access to Alicia Parkway, which at the time was the only developed road in the area, until other permanent access was available for AWMA vehicles traveling to the CTP. Primary access to the CTP is now provided by other roads in the City of Aliso Viejo that connect with Aliso Creek (via Wood Canyon Drive and Knollwood Road). A structural evaluation of the AWMA Bridge determined that the bridge was nearing the end of its useful life and unable to continue to be safely used as an alternate access to the nearby park, schools, and other facilities in the area. Because permanent access is now available to the CTP from Aliso Creek Road and given the condition and safety concerns of the wooden bridge structure, SOCWA plans to permanently close and remove the AWMA Bridge.

Laguna Niguel

Orange