Grand Avenue Bridge

One of the interesting projects we have been looking forward to for the last few years was the transformation of the Grand Avenue Bridge in Del Mar into a interpretive area ideal for birdwatching and contemplation. The Bridge was once the means to drive onto the former "Airfield Property" just north of the existing lagoon, west of I-5. For many years, however, it has been barricaded to restrict access to that site. With the San Dieguito Coastal Wetland Restoration Project, which began construction in late 2006, the bridge was used for construction access to construct the deep lagoon on the west side of I-5. After that was completed, the northernmost two spans of the bridge have now been demolished, leaving the partial bridge structure as a resting, viewing interpretive overlook. Southern California Edison paid for the structural elements of the project. Funding for the benches, signs, and the parking area of the project was provided by Pam Slater-Price, 3rd District County Supervisor. Volunteers from the Del Mar Rotary provided significant assistance in treating and staining new wood for the railings so that they blend in with the original wood railings.

Click here for photos and update on project construction - 1/5/09 (pdf)

Below are photos from the Grand Opening held on 1/25/09. The Grand Opening event was hosted by the Friends of the San Dieguito River Valley.


Ribbon Cutting Above - from left, Pam Fair, VP Environmental Affairs, SDGE; Pam Slater-Price, JPA Chair, Crystal Crawford, Mayor of Del Mar, David Kay, Manager of Environmental Projects, SCE; Mike Furby, President, Marathon Construction.

Above, Dawn Rawls, San Dieguito Lagoon Committee explaining background of the project.



Above: Attendees at the Grand Opening Inspect the New Overlook
Below: Artist's Rendering


The Grand Avenue Bridge Overlook is located east of Jimmy Durante Blvd, south of the San Dieguito River.

In anticipation of the construction a few interpretive panels were created and installed adjacent to the bridge. Later they were moved to the former bridge and installed permanently there. They are pictured below.

The artwork on the above interpretive panels was drawn by Alice Goodkind, well-known civic activist, birdwatcher, local historian and artist, who passed away in 2004. It is significant to note that Alice completed these works knowing they would be her last.

Below is the view from the Bridge.

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