A plan to renovate the 100-year-old Georgia Street bridge over University Avenue in North Park moved forward Wednesday when the City Council's Infrastructure Committee voted to accept $9.5 million in federal funding for the project.
The bridge, built in 1914 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, requires seismic retrofitting and other upgrades, according to city staff. Councilman Todd Gloria called the project a key infrastructure investment.
"Today's action ensured the historic Georgia Street bridge will be repaired and preserved to remain a landmark between North Park and Hillcrest," said Gloria, who represents the area. "I am grateful to the Infrastructure Committee for their support of this project and for the federal funds that are making the renovations possible."
City officials said the bridge will be almost completely rebuilt in the project that, pending full City Council approval, could start this fall.
Among other things, the planned one-year project will also include lowering University Avenue by 2 feet 4 inches to improve clearance, building new curbs and gutters, and installing a new sidewalk that will be 5 feet wide.
