SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego city leaders Wednesday announced a major expansion project coming to the West Mission Bay Bridge that is expected to alleviate congestion in the area.
The massive reconstruction/expansion project, which begins in July, will cost $110 million and transform the existing four-lane bridge into two separate three-lane structures.
With newer sections being built first, lanes will be open in each direction during the project.
Caltrans officials said the current structure is structurally deficient and is not up to building standards. It also cannot handle traffic between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, as well as Interstate 8 congestion.
According to officials, the new bridges will provide more access to vehicles, but it will also be friendly to bicyclists and pedestrians, thanks to 12-foot multi-tracks in each direction.
City News Service reported project funding will come from a handful of sources, including $91.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration, $4.9 million from a SeaWorld traffic mitigation fund and $13.5 million from a Transnet Extension fee.
The project is expected to be completed by fall 2021.
