A controversial proposal to build a bridge through Rose Canyon took a hit Thursday when San Diego city officials said they want the project shelved.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Council President Pro Tem Sherri Lightner want the Regents Road Bridge removed from the University City Community plan.
For decades, people have battled over building a bridge across Rose Canyon. University City has only one north to south route between Interstate 5 and Interstate 805. That’s Genesee Avenue.
In 2006, the San Diego City Council approved a plan to build a bridge extending Regents Road through Rose Canyon, connecting the north and south sections of University City. The project was estimated to cost $35 million at the time.
The bridge was first proposed to relieve traffic and to improve emergency response times.
However, Mayor Faulconer wants the City of San Diego to move forward without a bridge. Instead, he suggests a new study will help planners find a new solution.
Kevin Warsing was delighted at the news. He’s a member of the Friends of Rose Canyon, a community group that has fought the plan in the courts and in the court of public opinion.
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“It's long overdue that we take this 20th century project off the books,” Warsing said.
Opponents like Warsing say a bridge that would help commuters would destroy a park full of wildlife and popular with hikers.
There were those in attendance at Thursday’s news conference who want the bridge to be built arguing it will ease congestion. Marcia Munn was one of them.
“The Regents Road Bridge would be the best solution, the cheapest solution in the long run,” Munn said.
Those in favor of building the bridge say the traffic problems are only going to get worse and the mayor's plan isn't going to help.
The community will have access to review results of a new study focusing on improving emergency response times and traffic.
