Construction on a new Seventh Street Bridge over the Tuolumne River in Modesto is set to begin in January, following approval of an $85.2 million contract with MCM Construction Inc. by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. The current bridge, built in 1916 and known for its Beaux Arts style, will close in early spring so that the new structure can be built in its place.
David Leamon, public works director for Stanislaus County, stated in an email that the project is expected to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028. During construction, drivers will be detoured to the Ninth Street and Highway 99 bridges.
The existing bridge has had speed and weight restrictions since the 1930s due to faulty concrete. It cannot support semi-trucks, which are commonly used by local food and beverage processors. The replacement bridge aims to redirect some truck traffic from nearby freeways and streets and improve connections with Crows Landing Road.
The new span will feature four motor-vehicle lanes—double the current number—as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths connecting to Tuolumne River Regional Park. Sidewalks on the old bridge were too narrow for wheelchairs; the new design includes an accessible sidewalk on one side and a protected bike lane on the other.
The total cost of the project is about $127 million, covering design work, land acquisition, and street improvements at both ends of the bridge. Funding includes approximately $92 million from a federal grant, $15 million from state sources added in June, and additional funds from Stanislaus County’s Measure L sales tax.
At the north end of the bridge, Modesto plans upgrades to intersections at B Street and Tuolumne Boulevard as well as improvements at a railroad crossing.
A new plaza overlooking part of Tuolumne River Regional Park will connect with paths leading downtown. Two restored lion statues from the original bridge will be placed there; two others will remain in storage until further decisions are made. The plaza will also include an exhibit about the original bridge’s cantilevered concrete design—a method that led to premature structural issues and long-standing speed and weight limits.
The new bridge will extend 1,238 feet across the river channel and floodplain using concrete box girders supported by seven footings—half as many as before—based on designs by Biggs Cardosa Associates. Dewberry Engineers Inc., whose $7.2 million contract was approved last month by county supervisors, will manage construction oversight throughout the project.
