Cecchetti Road Crossing Project

The Cecchetti Road Crossing Project will replace the previously washed-out crossing over Arroyo Grande Creek with a permanent concrete bridge. The seasonal low-water crossing consisted of a paved road over small culverts, closed frequently during winter, was vulnerable to storm damage, required frequent debris removal, and restricted fish passage, particularly for threatened steelhead trout.


Permanent Bridge

A new 2-lane bridge will restore safe and reliable access on Cecchetti Road by providing a long-lasting structure designed to withstand future storm events while improving aquatic habitat and fish migration. The permanent bridge is expected to be completed by fall 2027 (pending environmental permit approvals) or fall 2028.


Temporary Bridge

A temporary one-lane bridge will be installed in Spring 2026 to restore interim access. The temporary bridge must be removed for the winter season when significant storms are forecast.


Why This Project is Needed

The original crossing was destroyed during the January 2023 storms. Since 2023, Cecchetti Road has remained closed, requiring drivers to detour to Huasna Road. A permanent bridge is needed to meet modern safety, hydraulic, and environmental standards and to reduce the risk of future washouts.


What Happened

In January 2023, extreme winter storms caused widespread flooding across San Luis Obispo County. Floodwaters destroyed the existing low-water crossing on Cecchetti Road. Because the previous crossing impeded fish passage it is no longer allowed under current environmental regulations. The need to design a new bridge and the nearby detour on Huasna Road made an emergency repair not feasible. The road has remained closed while the County pursues a permanent solution.


Project Timeline

January 2023

  • Severe storms wash out the Cecchetti Road crossing

2023-2024

  • Debris removed from the site revealing that the existing low-water crossing was too damaged to repair. 
  • County begins planning for a permanent replacement
  • Community meeting held on May 28, 2024, to outline the problem, options, and anticipated timeline
  • Two applications submitted for state grants (both were unsuccessful)
  • FEMA approves project funding for a new bridge 
  • Board of Supervisors approves a contract with a design consultant

2025

  • Bridge design work continues, including survey, hydraulics, geotechnical, and environmental permitting 
  • Board of Supervisors approves moving forward with a temporary bridge in June 2025 and awards a contract in November 2025

2026-2027 (anticipated)

  • Installation of a temporary one-lane bridge to restore interim access in April 2026 
  • Receive environmental permits in late 2026 
  • Major storms will require removal of the temporary bridge for the 2026-27 winter 
  • Receive bids for the permanent project and begin construction in spring 2027 (pending environmental permits) 
  • Complete construction of the permanent bridge in fall 2027 (pending environmental permits)


Project Benefits

  • Restores safe access for residents, emergency services, schools, and agriculture
  • Improves fish passage and creek health
  • Provides a durable, long-term structure
  • Reduces maintenance and future storm vulnerability

Project Contacts

For questions or additional information please contact Aaron Yonker via email: [email protected] or phone: (805) 781-4644.

FAQs

The previous low-water crossing is no longer permitted due to environmental regulations and fish passage requirements.
Federal agencies include NMFS, USFWS, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. State agencies include CDFW and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The presence of threatened steelhead trout makes permitting especially complex.
Design is underway and expected to be completed in late 2026. The new design calls for a full permanent bridge (rather than a culvert or low water crossing) to meet modern environmental and hydraulic standards, reduce risk of future damage, and provide a year-round crossing over the creek.  Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027, pending environmental permit approvals.
FEMA has approved 75% of the project cost, with an additional 18% from the State. The remaining 7% local match will be covered by County storm recovery funds.
The permanent bridge will not be completed until late 2027. The temporary bridge restores access for the community in the interim.
Not necessarily. It will likely need to be removed during significant storm events during winter 2026–27.
The timeline reflects regulatory and funding complexities as well as environmental permitting requirements.  

A typical bridge takes 4-6+ years to plan, design, permit, and construct. The County Public Works Department aims to replace one bridge per year under normal circumstances.  In the last 4 years, the County has completed an average of 2 bridge projects per year. Three bridges will be under construction in 2027.