Caltrans District 5 has announced the completion of the Alamo Pintado Creek Pedestrian Bridge in Los Olivos and will be celebrating the project with a ribbon-cutting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 16.

The new crossing improves a popular pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian-friendly bridge adjacent to Highway 154.

The project removed the historic bridge and adjacent retaining wall to construct a new, longer bridge. The old bridge superstructure was removed from above the creek, while the piers and foundation portion were removed from below.

The natural stone from the railing of the 1912 bridge was salvaged and reused in the new bridge railing. Rock slope protection was added surrounding the bridge.

Native trees, understory plants and willow cuttings in soil were added to keep native habitat around the bridge and pathway, enhancing the multi-modal transportation network for all users, Caltrans said.

“This is an exemplary project preserving cultural heritage and mature trees, integrating complete streets elements, and providing a safe route to schools,” said Katherine Brown, District 5 project landscape architect.

“The sustainable reuse of existing stone addresses community concerns to retain the historic charm of the old bridge and the new structure will maintain crucial multi-modal bike, pedestrian, and equestrian connections,” she said.

“Full color enamel interpretive displays were placed on the bridge railing highlighting local history, the evolution of transportation modes, native flora and fauna, and the historic significance of the ‘jack arch’ construction technique used in the 1912 bridge,” Brown said.

The $4 million project was funded by the State Highway Operation and Protection Program. Contractor for the project is M.C.M Corporation.