Four years deep into construction, the city’s infrastructure project to replace the West Mission Bay Drive Bridge is nearly complete — with goals to have traffic flowing by early 2023.

The $150 million plan has overhauled the previous four-lane bridge built back in the 1950s — when San Diego’s traffic demands were very different and fewer people were traveling into the area.

In its place are now two separate,parallel bridge structureswith three lanes in each direction designed to ease both northbound + southbound congestion and improve transportation across the San Diego River.

Let’s see where the project stands. 🏗️

The new two-structure bridge features three traffic lanes in each direction. | Rendering via City of San Diego

📍 Where is it?

If you’ve driven on Interstate 8 and taken the West Mission Bay Drive exit since July 2018, you’ve seen the huge construction zone over the old bridge. The site is located on West Mission Bay Drive between I-8 and SeaWorld Drive, ~1.25 miles west of the Interstate 5 + I-8 interchange.

A view of the southwest bike path. | Rendering via City of San Diego

🦺 What’s next?

According to the City of San Diego, the bulk of the work on the southbound bridge is complete. Crews are now finishing construction of the sidewalk, safety barriers, and lighting. The installation of gas, electrical + drainage utilities continues on both sides of the bridge.

A bird’s eye rendering of the finished bridge replacement project. | Rendering via City of San Diego

🚗 What’s new once it opens?

Traffic will flow via six total lanes.
Safe, multi-use paths alongside both bridges for pedestrians + bicyclists.
Roadway widening improvements along Sports Arena Boulevard, West Mission Bay Drive + the westbound I-8 off-ramp.
The old northbound + southbound bridges will be completely removed.

The project is funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Bridge Program. Stay up to speed on updates via the city’s website.