Supervisor Jimmy Paulding Celebrates Opening of Cecchetti Rd Temporary Bridge in East Arroyo Grande
Author: Board of Supervisors
Date: 4/24/2026 9:37 AM
The temporary one-lane bridge at Cecchetti Road is now open, restoring critical access for Huasna and East Arroyo Grande communities after the original crossing was washed out in 2023. This interim solution improves traffic circulation, supports local agriculture and businesses, and enhances emergency response while the County advances a permanent replacement bridge.
Supervisor Jimmy Paulding today announced the opening of the temporary one-lane bridge at Cecchetti Road, marking a major milestone in restoring critical access for residents, farmers, and emergency services for the Huasna and East Arroyo Grande communities.
The temporary bridge replaces the low water crossing that was washed out during severe storms in January 2023, which had left the area without a vital connection for more than three years.
“This is a huge win for our South County communities,” said Supervisor Paulding. “Restoring access at Cecchetti Road improves traffic circulation, reduces congestion at Harris Bridge and on East Cherry Lane, and supports the agricultural operations and small businesses that depend on this route every day. Just as importantly, it bolsters emergency response times and restores a critical evacuation route ahead of fire season.”
The newly opened structure is a temporary, one-lane bridge designed to provide immediate relief while the County advances plans for a permanent replacement. Construction on the permanent bridge is anticipated to begin as early as Spring 2027, pending final design, permitting, and environmental review.
Due to complex environmental regulations and permitting requirements associated with the Arroyo Grande Creek, the permanent bridge project has become more complex and time-intensive than originally anticipated.
“For more than two years, I’ve been pushing to move the permanent replacement project forward as quickly as possible,” Paulding said. “As it became clear the permanent bridge would take longer to deliver, I fought for a temporary solution to ensure the community wasn’t left without access.”
Supervisor Paulding played a key role in securing funding for the temporary bridge. While the project initially lacked support on the Board of Supervisors, he successfully worked with County staff and colleagues last November to identify and reallocate leftover funds from other bridge projects, closing the funding gap and allowing construction to move forward.
“This project is really about persistence and problem-solving,” Paulding added. “When some questioned the necessity of this bridge and the Board initially turned it down, the South County community didn’t give up. We rolled up our sleeves and kept pushing until we found a way to make this bridge happen and regain the access this community needs and deserves.”
The County will continue advancing the permanent bridge project, which will provide a resilient, long-term crossing designed to withstand future storm events and meet all environmental and regulatory requirements.
Read more about funding for the temporary bridge project here and the permanent replacement project here.
