A piece of living art that doubles as a multispan bridge uniting the Bay Area and Central Valley is closing for six months so that it can outlast a major earthquake and live through another century of adoration. The Stevenson Bridge is a cherished landmark for locals in cities such as Davis, Dixon and Winters, even though the crossing on Putah Creek is in remote farmland.
Affectionately dubbed “Graffiti Bridge” for its decades of paint and doodles, the 298-foot-long arched bridge is an important link for Solano and Yolo counties but has started to show its age after 103 years. The creek has eaten into the bridge’s foundation, and there are concerns it would not survive the next big seismic event.
Solano County is leading the bridge rehabilitation with support from Yolo County and is closing access to the bridge and sections of the nearby roads from May 1 through October. Riley Martinson, the project manager, said when the span reopens, locals might notice some slight alterations to the cement rainbow arches and structure, but they’re committed to preserving its place in the people’s hearts…