Today, City of Irvine officials and Senator Dave Min hosted a groundbreaking for the Jeffrey Open Space Trail (JOST) Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Project. The JOST currently stretches 3.5 miles through the heart of Irvine, and the $14.5 million in funding supports a critical piece of the trail that has yet to be finished: a 1.5-mile extension running from Barranca to Interstate 5.

A critical element of the region’s open space plan, JOST will run through Senate District 37 and link existing bike and pedestrian trails. The coming JOST bridge will be located south of and adjacent to Jeffrey Road. The JOST Extension (Barranca to Walnut) Project will complete an important Class I bicycle and pedestrian facility in the City’s overall trails and open space systems. Together, these projects will ultimately close the gaps and provide a key linkage between trails that extend from the Pacific Ocean all the way up to the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest.

“The groundbreaking of the JOST bridge, soon to be Irvine’s longest bridge, is a critical step in finishing the JOST and making the route more accessible to Irvine residents and beyond,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “I’m so proud to see so many of these projects entering their final stages and ensuring a sustainable future for the City.”

The planned bridge is almost 1,200 feet long and 15 feet wide, spanning Interstate 5, the Caltrans Park & Ride parking lot, and Walnut Avenue. Architectural features planned for the bridge were inspired by the existing JOST, elements of the Jeffrey Open Space Spine Community Consensus Plan, and existing land uses in the area. There are also lighting elements included in the design to ensure the JOST Bridge is as functional and aesthetically pleasing at night as it is during the day.

Once initiated, construction of the facility will take approximately two years, and the bridge should be open for public use by early 2026.

"Connecting the Jeffrey Open Space Trail from the mountains to the coastline will continue to make Orange County a central destination for those who love the outdoors,” said Senator Dave Min. “During my first year in the State Senate, I was incredibly proud to secure a $14.5 million investment in the State Budget to jumpstart construction on the last piece of this dream and create a one-of-a-kind link over the I-5 freeway. With the groundbreaking on the project today, we are one step closer to finally bridging JOST with the coastal trail network, Santa Ana Mountains, and Cleveland National Forest."

Photos from the groundbreaking event can be found here. For more information about the JOST and project updates, please visit cityofirvine.org/JostExtension.