On Monday, the City Council approved the replacement of the West Mission Bay Drive bridge over the San Diego River. Built in 1950, the four-lane bridge, connecting Mission Bay Park and the Midway District, will become two three-lane bridges.

This $155 million project is sorely needed as the bridge in its current state is considered “structurally deficient and functionally obsolete” by Caltrans. Construction is planned for next year and bids for the project have started this week.

According to the Times of San Diego, the bridge in its current state is only capable of 40,000 daily trips, though a 2009 study showed traffic volume surpassing 64,000 vehicles a day. Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, who represents the beach communities, told the Times that the new bridge will be “such a huge improvement.” 

The new, wider bridge’s 12-foot, multi-use tracks in either direction will allow for better foot traffic and bicycle access while its additional lanes will reduce intersection wait times up to two minutes.

The new bridge is expected to be completed in fall 2021.