Friday, Jul 24, 2020
 by 
Christa Bigue
  • new bridge

    HALF MOON BAY, Calif. – A pedestrian bridge at Half Moon Bay State Beach along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail will be closed today, Monday, July 27, for at least a year as it is replaced with a new bridge, County officials said.

    The bridge links two sections of Mirada Road over Arroyo de en Medio, a seasonal creek that originates on the western slope of Montara Mountain.

    Popular with pedestrians, dog walkers, cyclists and individuals with disabilities, the bridge, unfortunately, must be closed due to structural instability.

    “Closing a popular destination is something we do not take lightly,” said Jim Porter, director of the County of San Mateo Department of Public Works. “But that bridge is literally on the edge of California and the constant wear and tear from the harsh marine environment forces us to replace it.”

    Crews from Public Works are installing signs alerting visitors of the closure.

    The original concrete-arch bridge built before World War II was topped with the existing steel span in 2003. The replacement bridge project, now in final design stages, includes removing the decaying concrete archway and the existing pedestrian bridge, strengthening the banks below the bridge and installing a new bridge.

    The new bridge will be manufactured from aluminum to help withstand the harsh marine environment.

    Work will begin after the necessary permits are obtained and during the construction season.  Advance notification will be provided prior to the start of construction.