Two of Irvine’s most popular trails will receive $32.5 million of improvements, extending both trails across the city by spanning roadways with pedestrian bridges.
Venta Spur Trail
The city has begun building a $6.8 million pedestrian bridge over the 133 Toll Road and Marshburn Channel that will extend the Venta Spur Trail from Northpark Village to the Great Park. The bridge will connect what is now considered the end of Venta Spur Trail, at the intersection of Sable and Emberglow in Woodbury East, with a new trail along Benchmark in Beacon Park. The bridge is scheduled to open next winter.
Jeffrey Open Space Trail
This $25.7 million project will add a new pedestrian bridge over I-5 (and Walnut Avenue) to create the city’s second trail that runs from the mountains to the sea. The 3.5-mile Jeffrey Open Space Trail will be extended 1.5 miles south, from Walnut Avenue to Barranca Parkway. There, it will connect with the San Diego Creek Trail, which crosses the city, or allow hikers and bikers to continue south to Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon and even Crystal Cove. The project begins later this year and will be completed in 2024.