The highly anticipated Bear Valley Road Bridge Project has officially commenced, aiming to enhance a vital connection over the Mojave River that links the communities of Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Victorville. With a budget of $58 million, the project is expected to take two years, with completion slated for April 2028.
Town officials announced that crews will initiate temporary striping and the installation of K-rails, which will reduce the number of travel lanes from three to two in each direction. This temporary lane configuration is set to remain in place for the majority of the project. Most construction activities will occur at night to minimize disruptions for motorists. Additionally, a traffic signal at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Fish Hatchery Road in Victorville is scheduled to operate in flash mode for a few hours on February 12.
Originally built in 1963 and widened in 1988, the Bear Valley Road Bridge has served as a critical thoroughfare for over five decades. The need for the current project arose after a 2010 inspection by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) revealed that the bridge deck, joints, and foundation were “structurally deficient.” The inspection also indicated that narrow lanes and the absence of shoulders rendered the bridge “functionally obsolete.”
Key Improvements in the Bridge Project
The upcoming enhancements aim to address the structural and safety concerns identified by Caltrans, bringing the bridge up to modern engineering and accessibility standards. Although the number of traffic lanes will remain at six, the new design will feature full-width lanes, dedicated shoulders, a Class 1 protected bike path, and sidewalks. Upgraded lighting and seismic reinforcements will also be incorporated, significantly improving safety and mobility for all users, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Funding for the project has been secured through a combination of federal, state, regional, and local sources. In 2024, the engineering department successfully obtained federal funds under the Highway Bridge Program specifically for the Bear Valley Road Bridge Project, as reported by the Daily Press. Remaining tasks for the multi-year project include utility relocation, right-of-way certification, and the design plans for bridge rehabilitation and widening.
Previous fiscal year actions included completing preliminary design work, obtaining environmental permits and clearances, and finalizing right-of-way certification. The Daily Press reported in 2017 that the estimated $32.3 million project had been in planning stages since 2014, when the town entered into a contract with Dokken Engineering.
With these upgrades, the Bear Valley Road Bridge Project is poised to enhance safety and accessibility for the thousands of motorists and pedestrians who rely on this crucial infrastructure.
