Ferndale News: Fernbridge Access Project Moves Into 2026 Environmental Review Over Reliable Route to Ferndale

FERNDALE NEWS | LOCAL PUBLIC-INTEREST REPORTING · 2026

A major transportation question for Ferndale entered a new formal stage in 2026: Caltrans began environmental review for a project intended to secure reliable long-term access to town across the Eel River and its floodplain. The Ferndale Access Project focuses on deficiencies at Fernbridge, the State Route 211 crossing that connects Ferndale to the wider highway network.

The core of the access problem

Fernbridge and State Route 211 provide a critical connection for residents, schools, freight, visitors and emergency travel. Floods, seismic concerns and aging infrastructure have raised questions about how reliable the route will remain. Caltrans says the project’s goal is to address deficiencies and ensure permanent access rather than simply apply a short-term pavement treatment.

What happened in early 2026

Caltrans District 1 filed a Notice of Preparation for a draft Environmental Impact Report on February 24, 2026, with a public review period from February 27 to April 17. The state lists potential impact areas including transportation, agriculture, the river and wetlands, flooding, biological resources, historic features and public services. The project review covers alternatives rather than a single fully built replacement design.

Why crews studied the bridge foundations

A separate May 27, 2026 filing describes geotechnical investigation for the Ferndale Access Project. The agency proposed seven drilling locations: five soil borings—two on the river bar and three on upland areas—and two upland piezometers, with investigations possibly as deep as 300 feet. These data help engineers assess alternatives for repairing or rehabilitating Fernbridge.

What residents can do next

Public review of the Notice of Preparation is complete, but the full environmental process can include later draft EIR circulation and other comment opportunities. Residents can ask Caltrans how travel will be maintained, what alternative designs are under consideration, and how floodplain effects are evaluated. Ferndale News will distinguish preliminary fieldwork and environmental review from an actual approved construction schedule.

Official sources and records

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