Mt. Vernon Bridge Reopening

 

 

Since 1934, the iconic Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge has been a critical link between east and west San Bernardino and between the Westside and Colton, providing communities easy access across the BNSF Railway yard to visit family and attend church, to shop and dine, and to work. 

I grew up here, so there are few memories that exist without that bridge. On Sundays my family would drive across to meet with aunts and uncles and cousins to go to church and to play at my aunt’s house afterward. One of my favorite west-side restaurants and a fixture in the 29th State Senate District, Mitla Café, has been a weekly destination for as long as I can remember. It’s memories of conversations and family milestones that have been flooding my mind in anticipation of the new bridge. I’m sure so many of us have similar experiences, and I’d love to hear about them. 

 

Share Your Stories of Connection Here!

 

Restoration of the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge was my top priority upon election to State Assembly in 2016, because it was dangerously close to destruction and our lives and livlihood were at risk. Just one week into my first term, I secured $31 million in state funding to demolish the old, crumbling structure, and pave way for construction of a safer and more accessible bridge.

Since the Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge was first closed in 2020, the impact to our daily lives has been palpable – especially for those with limited modes of transportation, and businesses accustomed to making ends meet with revenue from both sides of the city. We’ve found ourselves frustrated by delays - and many of you lost hope that construction would ever be complete. 

On August 23, all of that changes. Promises made will become promises kept – and the benefits will be enjoyed for generations to come. 

Please join me, the City of San Bernardino, the San Bernardino Transportation Authory, and so many other community partners for a day of celebration, as we open Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge to traffic once more. 

 

Key Links

 

Stories of Connection


Inspired by the Mt. Vernon Bridge

I’d love to hear your personal memories of how the Mt. Vernon Bridge has connected you with friends, family, work, and community traditions. We may use them in videos for this website and for social media.

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