$4.3 million bridge replacement project starts in downtown SLO
A $4.3 million project to replace a bridge in downtown San Luis Obispo is underway, and will close off traffic on a busy downtown block for nine months.
The city started a project May 4 to replace the Marsh Street Bridge, located on Marsh Street between Osos and Santa Rosa streets.
The existing bridge, more than a century old, is “obsolete, outdated, beyond its service life and structurally deficient,” said Manny Guzman, San Luis Obispo construction engineering manager.
Starting Monday, May 11, the project will reroute traffic along Marsh Street — closing off the block between Osos and Santa Rosa streets for the duration of the work, which is expected to wrap up in December.
“While it will be inconvenient and at times frustrating, the construction of the new bridge requires the closure of Marsh Street to vehicles and pedestrians from the bridge to the Santa Rosa Street intersection,” the city said in a news release.
Traffic will be rerouted from Marsh Street, a one-way street, onto Chorro Street and Osos Street for motorists seeking to continue on in the direction of Johnson Avenue.
The city reviewed various options before deciding in 2013 that it was best to replace the bridge for longevity and cost savings.
Bridge has long history in downtown SLO
The bridge was originally constructed in 1909 and lit by two kerosene lamps on both ends.
A civil engineer named John Leonard designed the original structure using concrete with reinforced steel, which was unusual at the time, according to the city’s website.
“At the turn of the 20th century, most bridges were constructed of wood or steel,” the city said.
The new design has “rigorous requirements for bridge safety, sensitivity to the adjacent businesses and protection of the environment and wildlife surrounding the bridge,” the city said.
Local businesses to stay open during work
The new lighting poles will be equipped with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
Construction will not cause any business closures, according to city officials.
The parking lots for Merrill Lynch, New Times, Pacific Western Bank and Cheng Park will be accessible, as well as parking for Sunset North Carwash, The Photo Shop and True West Tattoo.
Because it’s located close to the bridge, the entrance to DaVita Dialysis Center will be closed but the parking lot for that business can be accessed from Pacific Street.
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