photo credit: Caltrans
The new Hooker Creek bridge.

Caltrans reopened state Highway 12 at Hooker Creek near Agua Caliente on Saturday after a new bridge was completed five days ahead of schedule.

A section of the highway was closed Sept. 5 so crews could demolish a concrete arch bridge built in 1900 and replace it with steel. Traffic was detoured on county roads to bypass the construction.

Caltrans replaced the bridge because of problems with "scour," a process where fast-flowing water whirlpools around the bridge columns and erodes the creek bed.

"The replacement of the Hooker Creek Bridge is part of the $24 million Sonoma Creek and Hooker Creek Bridge Replacement Project on State Route 12 near Kenwood and Agua Caliente," according to the Caltrans District 4 website. "The project is scheduled for completion in January 2025. Future traffic impacts, however, will be comparatively light as both bridges have been rebuilt and opened to traffic."