Mt. Murphy Bridge Delays and Closures

The El Dorado County Department of Transportation will be doing emergency repairs on the one-lane bridge over the South Fork of the American River that connects Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park with Mt. Murphy. (The Highway 49 bridge over the South Fork is not affected.)

The repairs, scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 19, 2007, will require closing of the bridge for a minimum of 20 minute delays up to 6 hours at a time on Oct. 10th and 11th, 2007.

20 MINUTE DELAYS EXPECTED
ON OCTOBER 10, 11, 2007

As part of the Mt. Murphy Bridge Emergency Repair Project, Mt. Murphy Bridge will be intermittently closed for bridge deck repairs. The closure is scheduled for 20 minute delays during the hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on October 10, and 11th

BRIDGE MAY BE COMPLETELY CLOSED
FROM 9 a.m. or 10am to about 3 p.m.
ON OCTOBER 10 and 11, 2007

The bridge repairs will cause the closure of the bridge for 6 hours on October 10 and 11, 2007. This closure will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day, with care taken that school buses arriving to the Coloma Outdoor Discovery School will be able to travel through close to 9am.

All river rafters and kayakers should take caution when going under the Mt. Murphy Bridge while repairs are being completed during this time period. If at all possible, stay to the southwestern side of the river when going under the bridge.

We have posted a printable PDF flyer with the above details. For more information contact Julie Duchscherer, El Dorado County Department of Transportation, at (530) 621-5922.

Fire on Mt.Murphy Burns over 80 acres

Just after 4:00pm on July 1, 2007, a fire began on the flanks of Mt. Murphy. Located in central Coloma, east and adjacent to the South Fork American River, the fire and smoke was seen from miles away. The burned area is owned and managed by the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. The park acquired the land through the efforts of ARC who recognized the scenic value of Mt Murphy as a backdrop for the historic park. The area burned is classic chaparral grasslands with some brush and oaks. No cause of the fire was known. Several structures were threatened, but there was no loss of buildings thanks to the efforts of CDF, who fought the fire with hand crews, helicopter water drops, and retardant dropped from the air. Although fire officials closed all roads providing access to Mt. Murphy, there were no mandatory evacuations.

Helicopters filled their water buckets to fight the fire from the South Fork American River, above Troublemaker Rapid. River Road residents Jim Baldini, Heather Guttormsen, and Eleena Bradford (who is 5) were in a great position to view the Firefighter’s efforts. Here’s how they described their backyard scene; a helicopter would hover with its landing rails touching the water, then the pilots would honk and wave at the onlookers, then fly off as the suspended water bucket was filled. Heather echoed the sentiments of many residents when she applauded the talent and dedication of all these men and women that protect our little valley.

Thanks to Coloma area resident Brad Penner for the following video, shot from the north-facing canyon wall (river left) upstream from the fire: