California Construction News staff writer
Construction on the Mission Boulevard Bridge over the Santa Ana River is set to begin today (April 6), with a new traffic pattern marking the start of Stage 1 work on the $91-million project to replace the 70-year-old, seismically deficient structure.
The bridge connects the communities of Jurupa Valley and Riverside and is a joint project of the County of Riverside, the City of Jurupa Valley, and the City of Riverside. Funding comes from the Federal Highway Bridge Program, Proposition 1B, and local contributions.
The existing bridge was deemed seismically deficient and no longer meets current safety standards. The replacement will feature a modern 1,100-foot structure with two traffic lanes in each direction, added shoulders, and a raised center median to improve driver safety. A separated multipurpose trail will also be included for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.
The project covers the Mission Boulevard corridor at the Santa Ana River crossing, between Crestmore Road to the west and just east of Carlson Park in Riverside. Work includes full bridge replacement, roadway improvements on both approaches, and construction of the multipurpose trail.
Construction will be carried out in two stages, with Stage 1 beginning April 6 and Stage 2 planned for spring 2028. Completion is expected in late 2029.
Construction crews removed the median near Crestmore Road last week, resulting in lane closures and a temporary northbound turn restriction. Stage 1 traffic control began April 8, with the adjusted lane pattern expected to remain for several months.
Residents and commuters should anticipate construction noise, intermittent lane changes, and occasional closures of the Santa Ana River Trail as crews move equipment in and out of the site. The project team will provide ongoing updates through the project website, email, and SMS alerts.
The Mission Boulevard Bridge replacement represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure and public safety, providing a modern, safer crossing for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians for decades to come.
