Ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedication held for the Hamner Avenue project and Mayor Berwin Hanna Bridge
Community leaders, elected officials and dignitaries gathered August 26, 2024, at Eastvale Community Park to cut the ribbon on the Hamner Avenue Bridge and Widening Project and dedicate the bridge to former Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna.
Construction on the 85-year-old Hamner Avenue bridge in Norco began in January 2021. Hamner Avenue, a major artery and alternative route to Interstate 15, links Corona, Norco, Eastvale and cities in San Bernardino County to the north, and traffic was expected to increase over time with the growth of population in the region.
The new bridge, which spans over the Santa Ana River, is 1,200 feet long and features structural, seismic, and hydraulic state-of-the-art design. It includes a four-foot-wide median and shoulders, along with a new 12-foot-wide separated multipurpose trail on the east side of the bridge. The trail is expected to open later this fall and will provide equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists, a safe route across the bridge and access to the regional Santa Ana River Trail. The project cost $71 million from federal, state, and local funding streams.
Riverside County Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel spoke during the ribbon cutting and dedication, along with Congressman Ken Calvert, Riverside County Transportation Commission Executive Director Aaron Hake, and Western Riverside Council of Governments Executive Director Kurt Wilson.
“This bridge is a critical link for our communities here in Riverside County and beyond,” Spiegel said. “At a time of tremendous population growth in our county, construction of the 6-lane bridge will benefit motorists, residents, and visitors for years to come.”
The original Hamner Avenue bridge honored Riverside County Supervisor John Thomas (JT) Hamner, who served on the Board of Supervisors from 1902 to 1922. Hamner was a passionate horseman, dedicated to improving the region, and a strong supporter of public transportation who incorporated a trolley line in the area.
Monday’s bridge dedication also honored a passionate horseman from the City of Norco. The new bridge was dedicated in honor of former Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna who, just like his predecessor, is a dedicated public servant and advocate for public transportation improvements in the region.
In December 2020, following a community request, the Norco City Council approved the dedication and naming of the new bridge in honor of former Mayor Berwin Hanna. During his tenure, Mayor Hanna, who is instantly recognized by his trademark cowboy hat, has made persistent regional efforts to champion the construction and funding of the new bridge.
“Since joining the City Council in 2007, Berwin has consistently advocated for Norco at all levels of government and has brought continuous attention to the Hamner Bridge Project,” said Mayor Kevin Bash. “May this bridge forever stand as a testament to Mayor Hanna’s enduring legacy and symbolize his unwavering dedication, selfless service and profound impact on the Norco community.”
To watch a video of the entire event, click here. For highlights, click here. For a slideshow, click here.
Building & Safety inspectors responded to Airport and Nixon fires
Riverside County Building & Safety inspectors conducted safety assessment inspections for 45 structures impacted by the Nixon Fire. The Nixon fire started on July 29 at Tule Valley Road and Richard Nixon Boulevard in Aguanga.
CAL FIRE reported the cause of the fire was electrical and caused by a privately owned electrical panel. The 5,222-acre fire destroyed 23 structures.
In addition, eight team members from Building & Safety were sent to inspect 115 structures damaged during the Airport Fire which torched more than 23,000 acres so far. The fire started in Orange County in Trabuco Canyon and has destroyed 160 structures and damaged 34 since it began on September 9.
At the scene of fires, our inspectors assess the extent of the damage and categorize it into three different levels: red-tagged, indicating that the structure is extremely unsafe for occupancy; yellow-tagged, meaning the building is partially damaged and can be partially occupied; and green-tagged, which signifies that the building is safe.
Blighted alley in Valle Vista cleared by Code Enforcement
An easement bordering residential homes and a Dollar General in Valle Vista was a nuisance and an eyesore. Trash left behind by trespassers was blocking the alleyway. Code Enforcement and the Sheriff’s Department worked together with residents and business to get it cleaned out.
Neighbors filled out “602 No Trespassing” forms so the Sheriff’s Department could intervene when someone trespassed into the alley. The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources also stepped in and hauled away 2.65 tons of trash to the County landfill.
The alleyway is now clean for the neighbors and local business.
Code Enforcement helps Hemet property owner clear violations
A property in unincorporated Hemet was an eyesore to the community for years. The property had excessive outside storage and trash, multiple inoperable vehicles, and a barn that was in substandard condition. Code Enforcement worked with property owners to clear the violations of this property with help from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and contractor Warren Duncan.
Burned out Valle Vista structure removed with the help of Code Enforcement
A mobile home in Valle Vista caught fire and Riverside County Code Enforcement helped the property owner apply for grant funding to demolish the property and remove trash. County Contractor Dekano assisted with the demolition.
Code Enforcement assists Menifee owner in improving their property
Code Enforcement contacted a property owner in Menifee with several violations on his land including extensive trash, junk vehicle parts, tires and other items.
The owner worked with assistance from Code Enforcement to remove the problems. After the owner consented, the County's contractor, Dakeno, worked to clean up the property and leave it in good condition.
Transportation Department delivered $43.6 million in ARPA-funded projects within 7 months
Earlier this year, the Transportation Department was tasked with delivery of projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) intended to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department delivered $43.6 million in advertised projects within 7 months which is a major achievement.
In addition, the Construction Inspection and Materials Division, continued the delivery of quality construction projects throughout the County. Since the beginning of Fiscal Year 2024-2025, seven projects worth over $12 million were completed. Construction staff processed over $126 million of contract payments for 20 ongoing or recently completed projects including three major construction projects and three emergency projects.
Currently the department is working on the Avenue 48 Widening (Carver Tract/City of Indio area), Mission Lakes Blvd., Little Morongo Road, Langlois Road, Dillon Road, Bubbling Wells Road (Desert Edge/Desert Hot Springs area), Gilman Spring Road Safety Improvements (San Jacinto/Moreno Valley area), Mockingbird Canyon Road and Van Buren Blvd. Work recently began on the annual slurry seal program that will seal 392 lane-miles on 686 streets throughout the county including Lake Cahuilla Park.
Future projects that will start soon: Cornell Street Resurfacing (Hemet area), Buck Road/Warren Road Resurfacing (Temecula area), El Cerrito Area Resurfacing (Corona area), and Indiana Avenue/Harlow Avenue Resurfacing (Home Gardens area).
Construction begins on the eastern span of the Jurupa Road Grade Separation project
On August 14, 2024, traffic was successfully shifted to the newly completed western span of the Van Buren Boulevard bridge, allowing construction to commence on the eastern span.
Work is currently progressing on the installation of the UPRR shoofly (temporary) tracks. In addition, construction of various storm drainage structures is advancing as planned. The project is on track for completion by the end of 2026.
For more information on the Jurupa Road Grade Separation Project, visit jurupagradeseparation.com.
Transportation Performance Measures
April 2024 to June 2024
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