Caltrans warns the public: Whiskey Creek Bridge is no place for trespassing or jumping

Caltrans District 2 is warning the public about the serious safety risks and legal consequences associated with trespassing, climbing and jumping from the Whiskey Creek Bridge on Highway 299 at Whiskeytown Lake.

Caltrans has recently observed vandalism and unauthorized access at the bridge, including damage to systems installed to prevent people from entering restricted areas.

These restrictions are in place to protect people from serious injury or death. The Whiskey Creek Bridge is an active piece of transportation infrastructure, and climbing on or underneath the bridge, accessing restricted areas or jumping from the bridge can expose individuals to significant hazards.

There are also legal and financial consequences for these activities
• Jumping from the Whiskey Creek Bridge is illegal and can result in fines of more than $400.
• Vandalizing or damaging state property can result in fines and criminal charges ranging from an infraction to a felony.
• Unauthorized access to restricted areas of the bridge can result in serious injury or death.
• Damage to bridge safety systems and infrastructure can require hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs, paid for with taxpayer funds.

Caltrans emphasizes that damage to safety systems can have consequences beyond the cost of repairs. When barriers or other protective systems are vandalized, crews must spend additional time and resources restoring them — potentially taking resources away from other transportation maintenance and safety needs.

Caltrans is asking the public to respect posted restrictions and stay out of restricted areas of the Whiskey Creek Bridge. Members of the public should not climb on or underneath the bridge, attempt to bypass safety barriers, jump from the bridge or vandalize or damage state property.

The safest choice is simple: Stay off the bridge and respect the restrictions.