Rebuilding of Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge Complete, Open to Public on August 23
August 20, 2025
(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF., August 20, 2025) – The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) has completed the rebuilding of the Mt. Vernon Avenue bridge in the city of San Bernardino and will celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting and car show on Saturday, August 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The bridge passes over 22 active railroad tracks and measures more than a quarter mile long, spanning the entire north-to-south width of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Intermodal facility in San Bernardino, one of the largest railyards in the region.
The original Mt. Vernon Avenue Bridge opened in 1934 and quickly became an iconic structure, bridging westside San Bernardino communities to the north and south and serving as a vital link for residents, visitors, students, and businesses.
To ensure the safety and longevity of the bridge, the city of San Bernardino and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) partnered with SBCTA to rebuild the bridge. Due to its aging infrastructure, the original bridge closed in December 2020 and disassembly was completed in April 2021. Construction of the new bridge began in 2023.
The new bridge includes wider lanes and sidewalks, bike lanes and a center median, as well as artistic elements giving a nod to the original bridge’s historic design.
“This project is a great example of a successful partnership between SBCTA and the cities it serves,” SBCTA Board President Rick Denison said. “SBCTA played an important role securing funding, navigating the complexities of this project, and facilitating coordination among the city of San Bernardino, Caltrans, and BNSF to deliver another meaningful project in our county.”
“The opening of the Mt. Vernon Bridge is huge for San Bernardino and the region,” San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran said. “We are bringing back a critical transit corridor for 60,000 vehicles a day, along with reconnecting westside residents to local businesses who have endured the construction. It is a happy day!”
To celebrate the opening of the bridge, a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 23, at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and 2nd Street in the city of San Bernardino. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a community resource fair, food trucks, and a car show presented by Suavesitos Car Club. Event parking will be available at 1235 N. Metrolink Way, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Please anticipate and plan ahead for large crowds and very hot weather.
The bridge is anticipated to open to the public on August 23, after the event concludes and it is safe to do so.
Rebuilding of the Mt. Vernon Avenue bridge was made possible through federal, state, BNSF, and local funds, including $25.8 million in Measure I funds. Measure I is San Bernardino County’s half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements, first approved by voters in 1989 and extended in 2004. SBCTA administers the funds and ensures they are reinvested locally, and that each region benefits from the revenue.
Find more about SBCTA projects here.
