Town of Apple Valley to Begin Major Bear Valley Road Bridge Rehabilitation

Town of Apple Valley to Begin Major Bear Valley Road Bridge Rehabilitation

Apple Valley, CA - June 18, 2025 - The Town of Apple Valley is set to begin the long-anticipated widening and rehabilitation of the Bear Valley Road Bridge over the Mojave River. The upcoming project will enhance safety and improve access with wider shoulders, designated bike lanes, sidewalks, a barrier-protected pedestrian path, upgraded lighting, and seismic reinforcements. Originally constructed in 1963 and later widened in 1988, the bridge was identified as functionally obsolete and structurally deficient in Caltrans' 2014 Bridge Inspection Report. It no longer meets geometric or structural standards set by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), nor does it align with the Town's General Plan for multi-modal transportation and pedestrian access.

"This project has been years in the making, and we're proud to move forward with a design that puts public safety and regional connectivity at the forefront," said Mayor Scott Nassif. "It's not just a bridge; it's a link to opportunity, access, and a safer future for our residents."

The project received NEPA and CEQA clearances between 2016 and 2020, with Right-of-Way certified in August 2024 and Caltrans construction authorization granted in May 2025. This project is made possible thanks to a mix of funding from federal, state, regional, and local sources. It's a true team effort that shows just how committed our partners are to improving infrastructure and keeping the High Desert connected and safe for years to come.

Construction is expected to begin in December 2025 and conclude by April 2028. The original 1963 bridge section will be removed entirely, and the 1988 structure will be widened to both the north and south to meet current safety, seismic, and design standards. During the project, traffic will shift to the south side of the bridge with two lanes open in each direction while the north side is widened. Once completed, traffic will shift to the north side while work is performed on the south. Additional traffic control details will be shared as construction progresses.

While the number of traffic lanes will remain at six, the new design will include full-width lanes, dedicated shoulders, a Class 1 protected bike path, sidewalks, upgraded lighting, and seismic reinforcements, all of which will significantly enhance safety and mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Additional enhancements include upgraded lighting, crash cushions, and utility encasements, creating a vital connection for travelers between Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, and San Bernardino County. The bridge will connect seamlessly at Mojave Fish Hatchery Road on the west and Jess Ranch Parkway on the east, providing safe, multi-modal access to key regional destinations such as Victor Valley College, the Riverwalk in both Apple Valley and Victorville, Mojave Narrows Regional Park, and surrounding employment and medical centers. This project is a critical investment in the Town's active transportation network, supporting walkability, access to opportunity, and a safer pathway for economic growth.

For project updates and construction timelines, visit www.AppleValley.org.

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