News Release Archive

Reclamation Contractor to Begin Construction Work at the Folsom Point Recreation Area on February 4, 2008

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmccracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: January 31, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation announces that construction activities in support of Folsom Reservoir's new auxiliary spillway, or Joint Federal Project (JFP), are expected to begin (weather permitting) in the vicinity of Folsom Point recreation area on Monday, February 4, 2008.  Folsom Point is a recreation and boat-launch area located at the reservoir's Dike 8, off East Natoma Road at Folsom Point/Briggs Ranch Road, just west of the Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD).  The recreation area is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

In order to remove rock, dirt, and other debris from the area being excavated for the new auxiliary spillway, the construction company, Kiewit Pacific, is developing a haul road that will run from the top of Folsom Dam Road near the main concrete Folsom Dam to a designated stockpile area being developed just west of MIAD.  The haul road, which is expected to be used by construction vehicles for 6 years, will cross the paved access road to Folsom Point.  So to allow the public to continue to access the Folsom Point area, an "underpass" will be dug under Folsom Point Road, and an "overpass bridge" will be constructed over the dug-out area.  Once complete, this construction will maintain uninterrupted public access to the recreation and boat-launch area via the newly constructed "overpass" to Folsom Point, and construction vehicles will use the haul road "underpass" to access the stockpile location.  

Some temporary detours and/or closures of Folsom Point will be required during "overpass" construction.  Public safety measures will be in place when construction operations commence in the vicinity of Folsom Point.  These temporary safety measures may include traffic controls such as flag persons, safety and detour signage, and safety fencing and concrete railings or barriers at the haul road and crossing location.  It is important that the public be aware of and obey the flag person's instructions and/or posted signage for their own safety. 

Construction activities inclusive of required detours/closures should begin in mid- to late-February, and although progress may vary due to a number of uncontrollable factors including weather, construction is expected to be completed by the end of March 2008.  Upon completion, temporary detours will be removed and recreation and boat launch traffic will be permanently routed without restrictions using the "overpass" access route.  This construction is taking place during the winter months to ensure that full public access to the Folsom Point area is in place by the beginning of the 2008 recreation season.  For additional information, please call Reclamation at  916-988-1707 or visit the JFP website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/jfp/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.