Pajaro Bridge Infrastructure Resilient Design Study (BIRDS)

Project Overview

The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), in partnership with the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency (PRFMA), is leading the Pajaro Bridge Infrastructure Resilient Design Study, also known as Pajaro BIRDS.

The study focuses on the Highway 1 bridge over the Pajaro River, which connects Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties and serves as a critical travel and evacuation route. The result of this study will be a project concept that can move forward into engineering design and construction, once funding becomes available.

Proposed improvements are intended to:

  • Improve safety and reliability on Highway 1 during storms and emergencies

  • Reduce flood risk and potential damage to the bridge and surrounding areas

  • Protect natural resources while helping safeguard more than 4,000 acres of prime agricultural land that support the Pajaro Valley’s agricultural economy

 The study team will also explore nature-based solutions, such as elements that work with the river and natural floodplain, alongside roadway and infrastructure improvements.

Study Objectives

The study will be designed to identify a bridge replacement project that, once constructed, will:

  • Facilitate the flow of water in accordance with the future upstream levee improvements

  • Withstand extreme 100-year climate events

  • Maintain travel access on Highway 1 during emergency events

Questions? Comments?

Paul Hierling, AMBAG
phierling@ambag.org
831-264-5092