Yankee Jims Bridge project set to begin, road closing

Work on the Yankee Jims Replacement Project will begin May 19, starting a three-year construction process that will require the closure of Yankee Jims Road between Gillis Hill Road and Shirttail Canyon Road throughout the project. The historic Yankee Jims Bridge was built in the 1930s and has a total load capacity of 3 tons, or 6,000 pounds. The one-lane bridge has served its rural community well, but is now considered to be structurally deficient, as it is unable to accommodate many modern vehicles and life-saving emergency vehicles. Due to its historic nature, Yankee Jims Bridge will remain in place. A new two-lane arch suspension bridge will be built just downstream. "Because of the remote location with limited access, it's imperative that our contractor close the roads to ensure safety for drivers, workers and the public," said engineering manager Kevin Ordway. Community members who use the road to travel between Colfax and Foresthill will be detoured to use Foresthill Road until the project is complete. Recreational access will be restricted during this time. Updates on recreational closures will be available at Auburn State Recreation Area's website or by phone at 530-885-4527. Watch the video at vimeo.com/870479441, to learn more about the Yankee Jims Bridge, its history and the plan to build a new bridge downstream.