Construction Begins on Trestles Bridge

An iconic wooden bridge that serves as a portal to one of California's last secluded surf spots, will soon be replaced with a newer more stable version.

The Trestles surf spot, a surfing mecca for locals and tourists alike, is so secluded surfers must walk a half mile just to get to the beach.

For 70 years, surfers have walked beneath a wooden bridge to get to the legendary spot near San Onofre State Beach.

On Wednesday, construction crews began a $12 million project to replace the timber of the bridge with concrete.

About 45 trains a day cross the aging structure. Hundreds of surfers cross the sand beneath it every day.

Transit district records show the 858-foot rail bridge was built in 1941, according to our media partners the North County Times.

SANDAG officials say decades of use, vandalism and salt air have worn it down.

The bridge will remain in service during construction and a pathway to the beach will be maintained.

The project is expected to be complete by early 2012.

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