Saturday, August 29, 2009

Benicia Bridge bike access open

The Bike & Pedestrian lane on the Benicia-Martinez Bridge opened Saturday. Interstate Highway 680 crosses the Carquinez Strait over the Benicia-Martinez Bridge to connect Contra Costa and Solano counties.

"The opening of the pedestrian/bicycle path is an exciting milestone that signifies completion of the final improvements to both spans of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge," explained Bijan Sartipi, Director of Caltrans District 4 and an MTC/BATA Commissioner. "We are thrilled that we now have safe and efficient travel across the Carquinez Strait for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians."

This pedestrian & bicycle lane closes a gap in the San Francisco Bay and Ridge Trails, linking to the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. Bicyclists and pedestrians using this new path will be treated to stunning views of the Suisun Bay, as well as the Carquinez Bridge and the Mothball Fleet.

The 2.2 mile bidirectional pedestrian & bicycle lane was added as part of the $50 million seismic retrofit of this bridge.

Thank you to Curtis Corlew, who rode across the bridge with his wife on opening day.

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