By Nevada County District 2 Supervisor Robb Tucker

As your District 2 Supervisor, I have the privilege of working alongside our dedicated Public Works Department and community partners to address infrastructure needs in our area.

Recently, I’ve received several questions from constituents about two key infrastructure projects in our district: the Combie Road Multi-Purpose Path and the Dog Bar Bridge at Bear River Replacement. These projects are critical to improving safety and mobility for our communities, and I recently met with David Garcia, our Public Works Director, and Pat Perkins, our Principal Civil Engineer, for an update on both.

Combie Road Multi-Purpose Trail Project

For those who use Combie Road, you know how challenging it can be to walk or bike along this stretch. Whether you're running errands or out for exercise, there hasn’t been an ideal option for pedestrians and cyclists. The Combie Road Multi-Purpose Trail aims to change that.

This project will create an 8-foot-wide multi-use path from Higgins Road to West Hacienda Drive—something that currently doesn’t exist for residents in the Lake of the Pines or Darkhorse areas or those coming from Bear River HS or other area schools to reach Higgins Corner.

I’m happy to report that the environmental documents and project design are complete, and the project is out to bid. Through the hard work of our Public Works Department, and partnerships with Caltrans and the Nevada County Transportation Commission, we’ve secured Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program funding for the $1.25 million project. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025, with completion targeted for summer 2025. Residents who commute through this area should plan for up to 20-minute delays during construction.

This path will not only improve safety but will also help connect residents to local businesses and recreational opportunities. I’m excited to see it moving forward. Project updates will be posted on our website at: www.nevadacountyca.gov/combietrail.  

Dog Bar Bridge at Bear River Replacement Project

The Dog Bar Bridge, located on Dog Bar Road, is a vital connection between Nevada County and Placer County. This bridge also serves as a crucial fire access route. Unfortunately, the bridge, built in 1934, is outdated and structurally deficient.

The one-lane bridge is not designed for modern traffic needs, causing frequent congestion and delays as drivers must stop to navigate sharp turns at each end, and needs to be replaced to ensure both the safety of residents and the ability of emergency responders to access our community during critical times.

We’re replacing it with a new two-lane bridge slightly upstream featuring 11-foot lanes and a widened curve radius to improve safety and traffic flow. The $10 million project is funded through the Highway Bridge Program and awarded to Viking Construction.

Construction is set to begin soon in March 2025, with minimal disruption to traffic on the existing bridge. The current bridge will remain open until the new one is completed, after which the old bridge will be removed, starting in spring 2026.

I know this bridge is vital to many of you, and I appreciate your patience throughout the construction process. The new bridge will improve travel times and safety for all who use Dog Bar Road. You can find more information and project updates at: www.dokkenbridges.com/dog-bar.

As your Supervisor, it’s my goal to ensure that Nevada County continues to grow in a way that is well-planned, safe, and accessible for everyone. These two projects—the Combie Road Multi-Purpose Path and the Dog Bar Bridge Replacement—are key steps toward that vision. I’ll continue to keep you updated on both projects as they progress. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.