Council Proclaims Declaration of Emergency

The Colton city council proclaimed a declaration of emergency Tuesday evening in a special meeting. The declaration was made after the city closed down the Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge running over the Santa Ana River south of Interstate 10, connecting north and south Colton, on Aug. 14 due to “severe scouring on two of the foundations,” according to staff reports. The scouring, or the removal of soil and rock underneath the bridge footings, was the result of flash floods caused by a storm that passed through the city two weeks prior. A structural engineering consultant recommended the complete shutting of the bridge to traffic Aug. 14. It was reopened again to light traffic – currently no heavy trucks, including emergency vehicles, are allowed to cross the bridge. Staff reports indicate that the fiscal impact of repairs to the bridge is unknown as of yet but staff will pursue federal and state funding to offset costs. Unallocated funds can be used from Measure I, a 20-year half-cent sales tax to support roadway improvements and repairs, and a Traffic Impact Fee. Public Works Director Amer Jakher told the council that applying for emergency grants will help “avoid the lengthy process of going out for bid” for repairs on the bridge. As staff applies for emergency grants, it is unknown at this point what could happen to the bridge if those moneys are awarded, explained Colton Fire Department Captain David Santos. "If and when repairs start, it may be a possibility that the bridge is closed down entirely. Right now it's a waiting game but I know they want (the bridge) to open as soon as they possibly can," Santos said. Councilmember Susan Oliva suggested that if grant monies would be sought, staff should consider seeking funds that could assist in the possibility of a new bridge being built, along with repairs to the existing bridge, to expand the bridge from two lanes to four.