City leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to mark the completion of the seismic retrofit of the historic Leimert Bridge, a key Oakland landmark spanning Sausal Creek and Dimond Canyon.
Built in 1926 and designed by George Posey, the 357-foot open-spandrel arch bridge was once the largest of its kind on the West Coast and has connected Park Boulevard to the Oakmore neighborhood for nearly a century. It was designated a City of Oakland landmark in 1980.
“With this seismic retrofit complete, we’ve ensured that this bridge will continue to serve our community safely and reliably for generations to come,” said Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins.
The $9.2 million project began in late summer 2023 and concluded this month, officials said.
It was led by the City of Oakland after an earlier retrofit design by Caltrans was rejected in the 1990s over concerns about altering the bridge’s historic appearance.
Disney Construction Inc. carried out the work, with Biggs Cardosa Associates serving as the project’s engineering firm.
Utility upgrades by EBMUD and PG&E were also coordinated as part of the retrofit to reduce future disruptions.
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