Full width of Newport Road freeway bridge now open

The view looking west approaching the Newport Road bridge over Interstate 215. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

A major step in the reconstruction of the Newport Road freeway interchange was completed Tuesday morning when the new south half of the bridge was open to eastbound traffic.

Lanes were re-striped to move eastbound traffic back from the old north side of the bridge to the new south side, which increases the width of the bridge to accommodate the ever-increasing traffic. Motorists now have three lanes each way to travel, with looping on-ramps helping to eliminate left turns as well.

The final phase of the construction in the $48 million project will take place several weeks from now, when a concrete pour to join the two halves of the bridge is completed. That will open up more lanes in the middle of the bridge. For now, that portion of the bridge is still closed off (photo above).

Drivers are urged to use caution until everyone gets used to the change in traffic flow.

The view looking east approaching the bridge, showing the new lanes now open on the right.