Despite the pandemic, construction is still moving forward.
Beginning next week, the historic Marsh Street Bridge in Downtown San Luis Obispo will get a makeover long overdue.
John Leonard designed the bridge back in 1909. It was made from concrete with reinforced steel, an innovative method at the time and still used today.
Fast forward 100 years and the bridge is severely showing its age. In 2009, a Caltrans inspection deemed it structurally deficient.
Finally in 2013, the city approved the plan for complete replace of the bridge for a then $4.4 million. A majority will come from grant money.
The project is expected to wrap up in 9 months, but it won't be easy.
"What makes it more of a challenge is the adjacent businesses," Manny Guzman, City of San Luis Obispo construction manager, said. "You are constructing something with the least amount of impact. With some of the endangered species in that area. We're talking about steelhead trout, California red-legged frog, so all of that is challenging."
Marsh Street is a main thoroughfare through town, so the detour may prove significant as life begins a new normal.\
The construction won't close any nearby businesses.
If you go to DaVita Dialysis, access to the parking lot will be from Pacific Street.
