Bridge

Replacement of Barstow’s First Avenue Bridge Could Start in 2022

As stated in an article in the Victorville Daily Press, March 6, 2021, the replacement of Barstow’s historic First Avenue Bridge could begin as early as 2022, after two contracts connected to the project were recently given the green light. First, the Barstow City Council voted March 1, 2021 to approve an $11.6-million agreement with BNSF and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority that outlines each agency’s role before and during construction. Then, two days later, the SBCTA — lead agency on the project — awarded Anser Advisory Management a $5.9-million contract for construction management services. With the March 1 City Council approval, Barstow will be responsible for about $9.1 million of the $11.6-million agreement for pre-construction costs and easement acquisitions. The city is also estimated to pay BNSF more than $8.8 million to remove, relocate and rebuild existing tracks to accommodate the bridge’s demolition, removal and new construction. SBCTA officials said they anticipate awarding a contract for the project in late 2021, with construction beginning early 2022. Officials expect completion around February 2025. Once built, the new bridge will meet current standards with full shoulders and a sidewalk and be able to accommodate “all legal trucks and permit vehicles,” the SBCTA said. SBCTA estimates the total cost of the project at about $64 million, with $54.1 million expected to be covered by federal Highway Bridge Program money. SBCTA officials said the agreement to receive the hefty contribution won’t be completed until after a cooperative agreement for construction with the city is fully executed. 

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