Bridge's future to be debated at City Hall

The Healdsburg Memorial Bridge will be the topic of a public meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Healdsburg City Hall.

Consultants weighing alternatives for fixing, relocating, or replacing the 89-year-old span over the Russian River will have detailed layouts of each project concept, along with preliminary cost estimates.

The bridge does not meet width or height requirements. In the past, concerns have been raised about its ability to withstand floods and earthquakes.

The stability of the bridge has periodically been a topic of discussion as the result of a Caltrans report that gave it a poor rating. But the study was later found to be flawed.

Preservationists have rallied to save the bridge. The latest evaluation was initiated by the City Council earlier this year. The city has held two open houses and one public meeting to solicit input on a solution for the bridge.

After Thursday's meeting, another public meeting is scheduled for Aug. 26, where the findings of the concept analysis process are expected to be presented.

City staff and the consultant team will make a presentation and recommendation to the City Council, tentatively on Sept. 7. The council is expected to select a favored concept, which will then be subject to environmental studies.

-- Clark Mason