A plan to renovate the 100-year-old Georgia Street bridge over University Avenue in North Park moved forward Tuesday when the San Diego City Council 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. The council previously accepted another federal grant of $1.7 million, bringing the total price tag to $11.2 million.
Councilman Todd Gloria called the project a key infrastructure investment.
"These federal funds will ensure the historic Georgia Street Bridge will remain a landmark between North Park and Hillcrest," said Gloria, who represents the area. "Addressing our public infrastructure is a wise and worthy investment, and I look forward to the completion of these renovations in 2016."
Work on the project is expected to start this fall and take one year to complete, according to Gloria. Among other things, the University Avenue will be lowered by 2 feet 4 inches to improve clearance, new curbs and gutters will be built, and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk will be installed.
