Main Street Bridge Comes Down

There is no turning back now.

The 67-year-old Main Street bridge in Old Town Temecula was demolished Thursday to make way for a new, single-span bridge that will lessen flood risks from Murrieta Creek and bring improved pedestrian walkways.

The project is expected to take nine to 12 months, requiring motorists and pedestrians to use the First Street bridge to the south as a detour route.

Tearing down the old bridge and replacing it with a steel truss single-span one will eliminate obstructions, therefore reducing flooding potential, according to city officials.

Additionally, 10-foot wide sidewalks will be constructed along both sides, with pedestrian viewpoints over the creek.

With a $4.77-million price tag, the project is being largely funded by a federal grant.

Decorative components and lighting that tie in aesthetically with Old Town will be added with funding from development impact fees, according to city officials.

A Web page has been set up by the city, on which project, construction and detour information can be found.