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Feature Story:

Allen Road Bridge Opening

The City of Bakersfield held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Allen Road Bridge on Friday, June 26, 2009. Mayor Hall, Councilmember Couch, and City officials were present at the ceremony, which took place at the new facility, located slightly south of the intersection of Allen Road and Stockdale Highway. 

The bridge will be a significant improvement to the City’s transportation network by extending Allen Road over the Kern River and creating a new major north-south route between northwest and southwest Bakersfield.  Allen Road will  now extend in continuity from the south at White Lane to north of Rosedale Highway.  It will also serve as a connector to the major east-west streets in the city, now including Ming Avenue and White Lane. 

Designed by Dokken Engineering and built by Granite Construction, the project included construction of the bridge across the river, the extension of Allen Road between the bridge and Ming Avenue, approximately 400 feet of sound wall along Allen Road on both sides of the bridge, and landscaping.  A culvert over the Cross Valley Canal was also constructed.  Major funding for the approximately $10 million project was made possible by a Proposition 1B allocation from the state in the amount of $5.2 million, which the City received in 2007.  The balance of funding was derived from traffic impact fees. 

The bridge design and construction also provided for the continuity of the Kern River Parkway Bike Path, which runs under the bridge, and now offers a connection to Allen Road, as well as continuing the equestrian trail that runs under the north side of the bridge.

The City of Bakersfield wishes to acknowledge the Kern County Water Agency and the Berrenda Mesa Water District for their cooperative efforts in bringing the Allen Road Bridge project to completion.  Thanks also go to Bakersfield Christian High School and the neighboring residents for their patience and cooperation during the construction period.

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