The long-awaited Bear Valley Road Bridge Project has officially commenced, with an estimated budget of $58 million. This significant infrastructure project will enhance the bridge that spans the Mojave River and connects the communities of Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Victorville. Completion is anticipated by April 2028, according to officials from Apple Valley.
As part of the initial phase, crews will implement temporary traffic adjustments, reducing the number of travel lanes from three to two in each direction. This configuration will predominantly remain in effect throughout the project timeline. To minimize disruptions, much of the work will occur during nighttime hours. Additionally, on February 12, 2024, the traffic signal at the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Fish Hatchery Road in Victorville will be put into flash mode for a brief period.
Originally constructed in 1963 and widened in 1988, the Bear Valley Road Bridge has served as a crucial transportation route for the surrounding communities. The current project was initiated following a 2010 inspection by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which identified the bridge deck, joints, and foundation as “structurally deficient.” The inspection also noted that the bridge’s narrow lanes and lack of shoulders rendered it “functionally obsolete.”
Project Scope and Improvements
The Bear Valley Road Bridge Project aims to address these critical structural and safety issues. Town officials have highlighted that the initiative will bring the bridge in line with modern engineering and accessibility standards. While the number of traffic lanes will remain at six, the new design will feature full-width lanes and dedicated shoulders. Enhancements will also include a Class 1 protected bike path, sidewalks, upgraded lighting, and seismic reinforcements, all of which are expected to significantly improve safety and mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Funding for the project has been secured through a combination of federal, state, regional, and local sources. In 2024, Apple Valley’s engineering department successfully obtained federal support under the Highway Bridge Program specifically for the Bear Valley Road Bridge Project, as reported by the Daily Press. Key tasks yet to be completed in the multi-year project include utility relocation, right-of-way certification, and the finalization of design plans for the bridge rehabilitation and widening.
Previous actions taken in the last fiscal year included the completion of preliminary design work and the acquisition of necessary environmental permits. The project has been in development since 2014, when the town first partnered with Dokken Engineering to explore the comprehensive revamp estimated at $32.3 million.
Town officials are optimistic that the improvements will not only enhance the structural integrity of the bridge but also foster better connectivity in the region. As work progresses, updates will continue to be shared with the community to ensure public awareness and engagement.
For further inquiries, Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.
