Beloved historic SLO County swinging bridge to close for repairs this summer
Restoration work on a historic Arroyo Grande bridge will close the landmark through the summer as the city works to “preserve its charm and safety for generations to come,” it announced in a news release.
The Village of Arroyo Grande’s Swinging Bridge closed Monday as the city makes needed improvements to meet current safety standards, according to the release.
The distinctive bridge is still standing 149 years after Newton Short constructed it in 1875 to bridge two parts of his property that crossed the Arroyo Grande Creek, eventually becoming a vital path for the community, according to the release.
According to the city’s website, the 171-foot bridge sits 40 feet above the creek, and last underwent a significant closure for repairs in the spring of 1995 when it was damaged by a falling tree.
This time, the rehabilitation and restoration efforts will include stabilization for the bridge’s foundation, upgraded handrails and reinforcements for the walkway that will do away with the five-person maximum weight limit when completed, according to the release.
Construction on the renovations will likely wrap up in September.
