Ortega Street Bridge Replacement About to Start

Construction to replace the Ortega Street Bridge will begin Monday, May 9. It is the second phase of the Lower Mission Creek Restoration Plan, which completed work on and opened the bridge at Haley and De la Vina Streets two weeks ago.

Throughout the first phase of construction, drivers can expect road closures and detour signs on Ortega Street between Bath and Castillo streets. Access for area residents, including routes to their driveways, will be maintained. Detours will be available on Cota, De la Guerra, Bath, and Castillo streets.

City officials said the new bridge will be a safer, longer version of its 1915-built predecessor, which will be removed later this summer. Specifically, improvements will bring it up to safety standards in terms of earthquakes and vehicular loads. The new bridge will also reduce chances of flooding in the surrounding neighborhood by allowing increased water flow of Mission Creek. The creek will also see its concrete walls removed, making way for the installation of native plants.

Ninety percent of the funding for the $6.8 million project comes from a federal grant from the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation program. The city is funding the remainder using the half-cent transportation sales tax known as Measure A.

Hours of construction will be between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, and some nighttime construction may occur.