Dear Shirley and
Chris,
A permit amendment for to the Noyo Bridge is scheduled to be heard on
Friday, May 11. I would like to combine my trip to comment on the
amendment request with an opportunity to meet with the Bridge Railing
subcommittee. Would it be possible to do that a 8:00 a.m. on Friday? I
think that in half an hour I could explain a lot that would help you all
to be much more informed in dealing with Caltrans on the railing issue.
The evidence I've received so far from Caltrans in response to my public
records request supports my position that the modifications made by
Caltrans of the Wyoming Rail have no engineering or safety justification.
On the other hand, Mr. Morales did not accept my request to perform and
independent review of the railing designs, but simply passed on the letter
to be answered by the Acting Chief of the Office of State Geometric Design
Standards, who did no review at all of the modified design, but simply
stated that Caltrans has a right and responsibility to "work to improve
the performance of transportation and safety hardware." No one disagrees.
But, clearly, unless the Commission takes a hard stand or asks for an
independent review, Caltrans is not going to give it.
Time is running out for the Noyo Bridge, and the first permit step for a
new bridge over Ten Mile River, north of Ft. Bragg is on the May agenda.
Please give me an opportunity to meet with you on Friday, May 11.
Sincerely,
Vince
LWan22350@xxx
wrote:
Hi,
I wonder if
there is a way for Vince and someone from the commission to sit down with
someone higher up at Cal Trans and explain the situation and ask for
their help in getting a better railing? If it were put to Cal Trans that
an improved railing could be good PR for them, perhaps there might be an
incentive.
Sara Wan
[Note well that Caltrans had sent the desired railing
design to the Coastal Commission on April 10, well before this email, but
Chairperson Wan was not aware of this, nor was I.]]