The City of Irvine and Senator Dave Min have kicked off the construction of the JOST Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which promises to enhance Irvine's outdoor connectivity significantly. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, heralding the start of the long-anticipated project that aims to fill a 1.5-mile gap in the Jeffrey Open Space Trail (JOST), from Barranca Parkway to Interstate 5, as reported by the City of Irvine.

With a hefty price tag of $14.5 million, the project is designed to be not just functional but also a treat for the eyes, featuring architectural elements that echo the area's current land uses and the JOST. According to the website, the JOST bridge will sit proudly south of and adjacent to Jeffrey Road, bringing together the mountains and the coastline, a vision of connectivity that has been years in the making.

Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan expressed her pride in the progression of such infrastructure projects, which she believes will cement Irvine's commitment to a sustainable future. "The groundbreaking of the JOST bridge, soon to be Irvine’s longest bridge, is a critical step in finishing the JOST and making the route more accessible to Irvine residents and beyond," she told the City of Irvine.

Eager to show its full support for outdoor recreation, the planned bridge is slated to span almost 1,200 feet in length and 15 feet wide, crossing Interstate 5, the Caltrans Park & Ride parking lot, and Walnut Avenue. As detailed by the City of Irvine, the JOST Extension aims to close the gap within the city's overall bike and pedestrian trail network, with the bridge featuring lights that will make it functional and aesthetically pleasing, even at night.

The construction, which will commence immediately, is expected to take around two years, with an anticipated public opening by early 2026. Senator Dave Min, a strong advocate for the project, shared his enthusiasm for the trail's potential to boost outdoor engagement. In a statement obtained by the City of Irvine, Senator Min quoted, "Connecting the Jeffrey Open Space Trail from the mountains to the coastline will continue to make Orange County a central destination for those who love the outdoors”.