Marsh Street Bridge Replacement Project completed in San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - The City of San Luis Obispo announced Friday it has successfully replaced the Marsh Street Bridge which is located between Osos Street and Santa Rosa Street at the San Luis Obispo Creek crossing.

The bridge stood in San Luis Obispo for over a century, but in 2008, was deemed structurally deficient after a bridge inspection by Caltrans. Crews determined a repair or replacement was necessary and the project began in January 2020.

Revitalization of the bridge, a historic corridor into Downtown San Luis Obispo, is part of the City’s ongoing efforts towards Downtown Vitality. 

“Marsh Street Bridge is an important connection point into the Downtown Area and the new safety, environmental and design elements help honor the significance of this historic bridge,” said Public Works Director Matt Horn. “We want to thank the Downtown businesses for their patience during the project’s construction and hope this bridge continues to welcome residents and visitors to the Downtown.”

In a news release, the city explained the design of the bridge was started in 2013 with rigorous requirements for bridge safety, sensitivity to the adjacent businesses and protection of the environment and wildlife surrounding the bridge.

Along with the replacement of the bridge, an aging and deteriorating sewer main underneath the bridge was replaced with a more efficient line.

To highlight the historical significance of the original bridge, energy‐efficient LED fixtures were installed that replicate the original kerosene fixtures that were lit along Marsh Street every evening. The guardrail installed mimics the historic structure as well.

The project featured a wildlife friendly creek diversion which was completed within a single dry season and required constant monitoring for protected species.

Funding for the improvements came from the Federal Highway Administration bridge replacement program, as well as matching City funds.

The virtual ribbon cutting for the bridge can be watched here.