Mountain Road 112 (M112) over Deer Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024101113
Public Agency
Tulare County
Document Title
Mountain Road 112 (M112) over Deer Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/25/2024
Document Description
The proposed Project aims to replace the 1956 bridge over Deer Creek that was damaged and failed due to catastrophic floodwater flows in March of 2023. In response, a temporary one-lane bridge was installed in 2023 on Mountain Road 112 {M112) over Deer Creek. The temporary single span bridge was built approximately 75 feet upstream from the former bridge to provide temporary access across Deer Creek until a permanent structure can be constructed. The Project qualifies to receive emergency funding from FEMA.
The proposed replacement bridge would be a permanent structure, approximately 420-foot long by 36-foot wide, multi-span cast-in-place post tensioned concrete slab bridge. The creek banks would be stabilized with riprap, and the new replacement bridge would be built in the same location as the original bridge. Construction is anticipated to start in the spring of 2026 and should be completed in
approximately 8 months. During this time, the M 112 would remain open since the temporary bridge is located upstream of the proposed replacement bridge. Thus, this Project would enhance public safety, provide emergency access and security, and improve transportation infrastructure for the general population in the region, accommodating both general traffic and large agricultural equipment, vital to the area.
Prior to construction, geotechnical investigations would be performed to determine existing conditions and to test the suitability of the ground to support replacement piers and abutments of the new replacement bridge structure. Geotechnical investigation would include six (6) borings, one boring at each proposed pier and abutment location. No permanent impacts from the geotechnical investigation are anticipated to occur. Borings would require less than four (4) square feet of soil disturbance from the six, 6-inch, diameter bore holes. Upon completion, borings would be backfilled with neat cement grout, and native soils, and in accordance with County requirements.
Contact Information
Name
Gary Mills
Agency Name
Tulare County Resource Management Agency
Job Title
Chief Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Carlos Gonzalez
Agency Name
Tulare County Resource Management Agency
Job Title
Engineer II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Southeast of Porterville
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Mountain Road 120
Township
22S
Range
29E
Section
30
Other Location Info
The project site is located approximately 10 miles southeast of the City of Porterville, 2.23 miles southeast of Mountain Road 120, within unincorporated Tulare County.
Other Information
Southeast of Porterville
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, 14 CCR§ 15302 (c) Replacement or Reconstruction of Existing Structure
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from analysis under the CEQA and the State CEQA guidelines as replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities pursuant to Class 2, 14 CCR 15302(c), as minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored pursuant to Class 4, 14 CCR 15304 (f) and as a project undertaken to repair damage caused by an emergency pursuant to PRC§21080(b)(3) and 14 CCR 15269.
Class 2 consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaces with no expansion of capacity. Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Specifically, this Project pertains to minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. As this project is also undertaken to repair damage caused by the March 2023 storms, it is also exempt from CEQA analysis pursuant to PRC § 21080 (b)(3) and 14 CCR Section 15269.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, 14CCR§ 15304 (f) Minor Alterations to Land
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from analysis under the CEQA and the State CEQA guidelines as replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities pursuant to Class 2, 14 CCR 15302(c), as minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored pursuant to Class 4, 14 CCR 15304 (f) and as a project undertaken to repair damage caused by an emergency pursuant to PRC§21080(b)(3) and 14 CCR 15269.
Class 2 consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaces with no expansion of capacity. Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Specifically, this Project pertains to minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. As this project is also undertaken to repair damage caused by the March 2023 storms, it is also exempt from CEQA analysis pursuant to PRC § 21080 (b)(3) and 14 CCR Section 15269.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resource Code (PRC) Section 21080 (b)(3)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt from analysis under the CEQA and the State CEQA guidelines as replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities pursuant to Class 2, 14 CCR 15302(c), as minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored pursuant to Class 4, 14 CCR 15304 (f) and as a project undertaken to repair damage caused by an emergency pursuant to PRC§21080(b)(3) and 14 CCR 15269.
Class 2 consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaces with no expansion of capacity. Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Specifically, this Project pertains to minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored. As this project is also undertaken to repair damage caused by the March 2023 storms, it is also exempt from CEQA analysis pursuant to PRC § 21080 (b)(3) and 14 CCR Section 15269.
County Clerk
Tulare
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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