The sounds of drills and sights of traffic cones won’t be around for much longer.
The State Road 22 project which has shut down roads in Upland is scheduled to be completed by November. One of the main components of this project is the construction of the Main Street bridge which was scheduled to be completed by July, but town staff was informed that there will be a delay on the completion of the bridge. This update was given on Thursday, May 8.
“My hope is that the new bridge will have a better site distance from downtown to the rest of Upland,” Mary Fletcher, Upland clerk-treasurer, said. “The plan for it is to not be as sloped.”
Fletcher reflects on the influence the bridge has in the community. She said the slope of the bridge has created a divide within the Upland community. Either someone lives on the north or south side of the bridge, but hopefully the renovations will allow for it to be viewed as less of a divide and more of a connection.
Michael Harbin, professor emeritus of biblical studies as well as city council member, said reconstructing the bridge is a safety factor, allowing drivers to be able to see over the bridge. However, this does not mean the bridge will be lower.
Height requirements are in place due to the active railroad track that runs underneath the bridge, Harbin said. The start of the bridge will begin further back allowing for the gentler slope.
“I have been pleased with how the state has worked with the town and Taylor to coordinate a number of different projects at the same time,” Harbin said. “It seems right now to add to the chaos, but it actually shortens the construction time.”
The bridge is just one component that can change the perception of the town overall. Main Street continues to be remodeled and vamped up for those in the area.
