BARSTOW, CA – Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has announced the substantial completion of the new North First Avenue Bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railyard in the City of Barstow, CA. The $30.7 million project was awarded to Skanska by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and involved the replacement of the historic two-lane bridge that was built around 1930. Skanska’s replacement bridge was designed to improve traffic safety for commercial trucks, commuters, cyclists and pedestrians, while re-enforcing the important connection through the City of Barstow.
The 21-month project included the construction of new seven-span post-tensioned concrete box girder bridge over 17 BNSF tracks; realignment of North First Avenue; and the demolition of the existing 29-span steel truss and steel-timber girder bridge across the BNSF railyard. The project also involved utility relocation, drainage improvements and lighting improvements.
“We’re excited to announce the completion of the new North First Avenue Bridge in Barstow,” said James Bailey, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations. “For nearly a century, the Barstow Bridge served as an important connector for the city as well as the many others who travel across it every day. We are proud of the work we have done to rebuild this bridge that means so much to this community to make it safe, reliable and accessible.”
Construction on the project began in January of 2023 and the team achieved substantial completion in October of 2024.