Riverside County and partner cities begin construction to replace Mission Boulevard Bridge over the Santa Ana River

March 26, 2026

A collage of three photos of Mission Boulevard Bridge. One photo is an illustration of a woman walking on a pedestrian trail as traffic flows alongside the bridge. The second photo is an illustration of a side view of the bridge and the third photos is an overhead drone shot of Mission Boulevard with cars driving across.

March 26, 2026

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (March 26, 2026) — Construction on the Mission Boulevard Bridge Project is set to begin April 6, with a traffic pattern change marking the start of Stage 1 work on the $91 million project to replace the 70-year-old, seismically deficient bridge over the Santa Ana River. The project connects the communities of Jurupa Valley and Riverside and is a joint undertaking of the County of Riverside, the City of Jurupa Valley, and the City of Riverside, with funding provided through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, Proposition 1B, and local contributions. 

Project Overview

The existing Mission Boulevard bridge was identified as seismically deficient and no longer meets current safety standards. The structure will be fully replaced with a modern, 1,100-foot bridge featuring two traffic lanes in each direction, added shoulders, and a raised center median to improve overall safety for drivers.

The new bridge will also include a separated multipurpose trail designed for pedestrians, equestrians, and cyclists. The project represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure and long-term public safety. 

Location and Scope of Work

The project is located along Mission Boulevard at the Santa Ana River crossing, between Crestmore Road to the west and just east of Carlson Park in Riverside.

The scope includes full replacement of the existing bridge structure, roadway improvements on both approaches, and multipurpose trail construction. 

Project Timeline

Construction is planned in two stages, with completion anticipated in late 2029:

  • Stage 1: Construction and Traffic Shift begin April 6, 2026
  • Stage 2: Traffic Shift 2 begins Spring 2028
  • Anticipated completion: Late 2029

Traffic Impacts and Access Mission Boulevard will be reduced from four to three lanes of traffic — two eastbound and one westbound — during construction. This traffic pattern was developed based on traffic counts during peak hours and was designed for maximum efficiency during heavy travel times to keep the corridor moving and minimize impact to commuters and nearby residents.

Temporary lane closures may occur during active work hours. Advance public notification will be provided prior to any scheduled lane closures. No long-term full closures of Mission Boulevard are planned as part of this project.  All project activities are being coordinated with city-related projects and maintenance work.

Drivers should expect lane closures and shifting traffic patterns over the coming weeks as the project transitions into Stage 1. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow posted signage in the work zone.

Week of March 30 — Lane Closures at Crestmore Road Monday through Friday, March 30 through April 3, from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the construction team will be removing the median on Mission Boulevard near Crestmore Road in Jurupa Valley in preparation for the upcoming traffic pattern change. The following lane closures will be in effect:

  • Inside lanes on Mission Boulevard at Crestmore Road will be closed for median removal.
  • The northbound left turn from Mission Boulevard onto Crestmore Road will be closed. Drivers should use the U-turn option at Wallace Street as an alternative.

Week of April 6 — Lane closures and construction activity on the bridge; Stage 1 traffic control starts Beginning the week of April 6, the project will transition to Stage 1 traffic control on the Mission Boulevard bridge.

  • Expect construction activities and lane closure on the bridge all week.
  • Starting April 8: Stage 1 traffic control will be in place. Mission Boulevard will operate with two eastbound lanes into Riverside and one westbound lane into Jurupa Valley.

No long-term full closures of Mission Boulevard are planned. All work schedules are subject to change due to weather or field conditions. Check www.MissionBlvdBridge.com for the latest updates.

Community Information Residents and commuters near the project area should expect ongoing construction activity, including equipment noise and periodic signage changes.

Access to Carlson Park and the Santa Ana River Trail will be maintained. There will be intermittent closures while crews move machinery in and out of the jobsite and for public safety during construction operations near the trail. Detour information and access updates will be posted at www.MissionBlvdBridge.com and sent via email and SMS to subscribers. Sign up at the website.

The project team is committed to keeping nearby neighborhoods, businesses, and Santa Ana River Trail users informed throughout the construction process.

For More Information

The public is encouraged to sign up for text and email updates and to follow the project on social media for the latest construction news, lane closure notices, and milestone announcements.