With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
San Bernardino reopens the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge after nearly 5 years. Here's what's new
An aerial view of the new Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge while it was under construction.
(
Courtesy San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
)
The landmark Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino is finally reconnecting the city's westside after completing a nearly five-year project.
The bridge was slated to Saturday with a community celebration planned to welcome back drivers, bikers and pedestrians.
The old bridge, built in 1934, was completely disassembled in 2021 after officials rated the bridge "severely deficient."
“The state of California rates bridges on a scale of zero to a hundred — a hundred being the best," said Tim Watkins, public affairs chief for the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. "This one had a structural deficiency rating of two, literally single digit two."
Support for LAist comes from
Now, the bridge is reopening with the much-needed improvements.
The Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge spans over 22 railroad tracks.
(
Courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
)
A view of the new closed stamped column design railing on the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge.
(
Courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
)
“There’ll be four lanes total, two lanes in each direction,” Watkins said. “A fully developed bike lane for bicyclists, as well as a fully developed standard sidewalk for ADA compliance.”
The historic bridge featured an open-air rail column that spanned its entire length, but the new one uses a taller metal rail with a closed column design.
“We did a solid stamping of that bridge rail to mimic that look. So that’s the nod to the old bridge,” Watkins said.
A bulk of the $244.8 million price tag to upgrade the bridge came from federal funding with nearly $40 million from the city.
Support for LAist comes from
The underside of the old Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge, originally constructed in 1934.
(
Courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
/
SBCTA
)
The bridge sits above one of the largest rail yards in the region and spans 22 railroad tracks, according to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad which operates the site.
“Nearly 60,000 vehicle trips daily were recorded by the city of San Bernardino as traveling back and forth across that bridge every day. So it served a critical piece,” Watkins said.
A ceremony is planned for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and 2nd Street. The city says the event will host a car show, food trucks, music and performances from local schools.
There will also be a vendor and community resource fair.
The new Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge reopens Aug. 23.
(
Courtesy of San Bernardino County Transportation Authority
/
SBCTA
)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist