Emotional day as historic Barstow First Avenue Bridge comes down

It was an emotional day as a massive crane began lifting portions of the historic Barstow First Avenue Bridge off its foundation as part of the demolition process.

“You know, unless you were born and raised in Barstow, I don’t think you can understand how emotional taking down that bridge could be,” said Facebook member Rudy Montoya, born in the Mojave Desert town in 1957. “There’s been a lot of memories going back and forth on that bridge.”

Barstow native and photographer Bryan Hartwick took to Facebook to state that on Wednesday, Aug. 14, the first steel truss of the 94-year-old First Avenue Bridge was being removed.

Hartwick also noted that he was “finding it too hard to take pictures,” because “too many memories” were associated with the old bridge.

The bridge's demolition consisted of stripping down much of the bridge before removing three steel trusses spanning the railroad tracks.

A massive yellow Liebherr mobile tower crane, supplied by the Bragg Companies and assembled on site, was being used to lift the trusses.

Posted by Robert Hall on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Several Barstow residents told the Daily Press that the bridge’s distinct silhouette against a bright blue sky or golden sunset would never be seen again.

“That old bridge stood the test of time and it gave Barstow character,” said Stewart Martin, 78. “It was built when Barstow was a thriving and growing city.”

Anthony Smith, 68, told the Daily Press that for nearly 60 years, he and his family would frequently cross the "old bridge" to go shopping, attend church, visit friends, and "to go on adventures."

"I appreciate the new bridge, but I feel that part of my life is being demolished when I see that old bridge being taken apart," Smith said. "So many memories."

Barstow bridge dedicated in 1930

On April 26, 1930, Helen Whitney, 7, cut a silken cord that opened the $150,000 steel and wooden “First Street Bridge” that spanned the Santa Fe yards, according to the Daily Press.

It was “a gala day” for the citizens of Barstow as they entered into the “spirit of carnival” in the city, which was decorated with flags and bunting to celebrate the opening of the new bridge.

A festive parade from the north proceeded onto the massive two-lane bridge and stopped there for the dedication.

C.E. Grier, chairman of the board of supervisors, officially dedicated the bridge. He stated it had been a pleasure to work with the state and railroad on the project, commending the officials of both organizations for their partnership.

Grier spoke of the importance of the new bridge for all of San Bernardino County, particularly as an aid to overland travel which brings such a large percentage of income to the northern and eastern districts of Barstow.

Following the bridge dedication and cord-cutting, the parade continued on First and Main streets dispersing at the new Richfield Hotel.

The bridge was upgraded 13 years after it opened.

Structurally deficient, functionally obsolete

The beginning of the end of the historic First Avenue Bridge happened in 2012, after an inspection report prepared by the California Department of Transportation.

The report gave the old bridge a three out of 100 sufficiency rating, which earmarked it structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, according to the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.

Construction of the new North First Avenue Bridge began in January 2023 and was initially expected to cost roughly $85 million, with a fall 2024 completion date, transportation authority officials stated.

The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, in cooperation with the city of Barstow and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, led the construction effort to build the new bridge.

New bridge completed

In July, the completion of the nearly 1,180-foot-long concrete and steel, two-lane bridge was announced, with street improvements in the works.

The new bridge project includes eight-foot shoulders and an eight-foot sidewalk that meets modern safety standards and can accommodate all legal truck and permit vehicles.

The new bridge is 50 feet wide and expands to over 62 feet to accommodate a left turn lane that extends onto the bridge.

The project included the construction of new approach roadways, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and ADA ramps.

Bridge aesthetics mimic the city’s popular destination of the Harvey House with its antique lighting and quaint touches, city officials stated.

The completion of the new bridge was followed by the ongoing demolition of the old First Avenue Bridge.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Emotional day as historic Barstow bridge's demolition begins