NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A project to replace the historic Fanny Bridge on SR89 in Tahoe City has been in the works since 2011, when the Tahoe Transportation
District (TTD) met with community members to start making plans to reconstruct the 97-year-old bridge. The project fixes the structurally deficient bridge while also alleviating traffic, enhancing the economic and social vitality of the area, and providing additional emergency access and evacuation egress.
Phase 1 of the project created two roundabouts, a bridge, and realignment of SR89 and was constructed in 2017-19, with new bike paths in 2020, and this next portion of the project is Phase 2 and should be completed before winter.
Preparation work is set to begin on the Fanny Bridge replacement project site in early June. Work to divert water from the Lake Tahoe Dam around the bridge, and back into the Truckee River, is scheduled to begin June 16. A full bridge closure to make way for construction of the new bridge is scheduled for Aug. 11 to Nov. 3, during which time all traffic will be rerouted via the new SR89 Route 89 Bypass.
Critical to the community, all local businesses in the Tahoe City area will remain open and accessible throughout the construction period. Pedestrian access across the Truckee River will be maintained via the walkway on the backside of the Lake Tahoe Dam.
“We are very excited to begin construction of the enhanced bridge project, which will serve our community and visitors to Lake Tahoe for decades to come,” Placer County Deputy County Executive Officer Stephanie Holloway said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep State Route 89 moving smoothly and make sure that there are limited impacts on business, including our rafting companies.”
The new bridge will be a single-span structure without any piers in the river and will be similar in appearance to the historic bridge. It will feature sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides. The existing pedestrian crossing on the south side of the bridge will be improved with push buttons that meet current accessibility standards. A second pedestrian crossing on the north side of the bridge is planned as part of future improvements at the wye intersection.
The new bridge will use precast components and existing abutments to minimize environmental impact and reduce construction time.
The dam was constructed in 1913, and the bridge came in 1928. The bridge gained its name from the common sight of people leaning over the bridge to see the fish below, resulting in their “fannies” being visible. The bridge is a local landmark and a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
