Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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
)
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist