A longtime Barstow resident is peddling his idea to "save" the old North First Avenue Bridge while Barstow city leaders on Wednesday joined the public on a “Symbolic Walk” over the soon-to-be-demolished structure.
Built in 1930 and upgraded 13 years later, the historic two-lane, steel, and wooden bridge was a thoroughfare over the BNSF Railway lines and connected south and north Barstow.
California authorities deemed the old bridge, "structurally deficient." Its replacement was supposed to begin years ago, however, the bridge has instead, been sustained by incremental, ultimately temporary repairs due to delays in federal grant money meant to cover most project costs.
On Friday, the Southern California Transportation Authority will shutter the old bridge and open the new 1,179-foot-long concrete and steel North First Avenue Bridge to traffic, city officials said.
The old bridge was temporarily closed to traffic for the symbolic walk, which was attended by nearly 40 people. The old bridgewill open to the public for walks from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 12, the city stated.
‘Nostalgic’ bridge
“Residents of Barstow have all been across the North First Avenue Bridge, and it’s nostalgic for many of us as we see the new one take formation,” said Barstow Interim City Manager Andrew Espinoza, Jr.
The city manager also added that the old bridge has been a main thoroughfare for schools, hospitals and other services.
“The new one will provide a more modern structure and improve goods movement as our city starts to update infrastructure,” Espinoza said.
Construction of the new bridge began in January 2023 following the BNSF Railway announcement of plans to develop the largest railway hub in the western U.S. in Barstow.
The new bridge is funded by several sources, including the Federal Highway Bridge Program, state funds, Measure I funds, and the city of Barstow.
The new bridge will include a wider sidewalk, eight-foot shoulders for bicyclists, and a lookout point for individuals to view the railroad.
The new bridge is 50 feet wide and expands to over 62 feet to accommodate a left turn lane that extends onto the bridge.
Bridge aesthetics will mimic the city’s popular destination of the Harvey House with its antique lighting and quaint touches, city officials stated.
‘Pleasure and sadness’
Barstow native Kenneth Kolbly on Monday, contacted the Daily Press to share his letter to the city of Barstow regarding a way to save the old bridge.
Kolbly, 59, told city leaders that as an active member of the Barstow community for almost 60 years, it is with “pleasure and sadness” that he watches the new First Avenue Bridge undergo construction.
“I am sad because I will miss the old bridge when it is gone,” Kolbly said. “I have crossed that bridge uncountable times in my life and to this day remember my nervousness when crossing it for the first time as a young driver.”
Kolbly shared that at age 17, he had a small single-car accident while coming back from the nearby Winchell’s Donuts shop.
“I have always loved the design and architecture of the original bridge,” he stated. “All those turn-of-the-century dark steel girders and box beams with massive rivets are a large part of what makes it visually unique and gives it character, character that has been lost in the modern world of smooth concrete and shiny aluminum.”
Kolbly said the bridge was built in an era when iron was king and materials were more expensive relative to labor than they are today.
He said that he respects the city explaining that leaving the bridge as a pedestrian walkway or even leaving it as a static display would present serious risks and could incur significant costs.
“I’m confident that the idea of relocating the bridge to a place where it could be left on display has been considered and rejected due to what would most likely be a high cost. Hence the bridge must go. And this causes me to be sad,” Kolbly said.
Auctioning off history
Kolbly shared his proposal to city leaders, which includedpieces of the bridge being offered for sale or auction off, instead of being scrapped.
“Proceeds could even be used to benefit the local veterans or perhaps our museums,” Kolbly said. “This would serve the dual goals of removing the bridge from where it is a potential hazard and retaining parts of it to be preserved and appreciated.”
Kolbly said he knows many people, including himself, who would happily purchase one or more pieces of the bridge for historical value and/or for personal display.
“I respectfully request that the city consider the value that such an option would bring to the community and, if needed, I would happily volunteer to help with the execution,” Kolbly said.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow resident shares idea to 'save' soon-to-be-demolished bridge
