Avenue 52 bridge now open in Coachella

City and county officials officially opened a 350-foot bridge on Avenue 52, a $40 million project aimed at improving safety at a railroad right-of-way, Tuesday morning.

Mayor Steven Hernandez, members of the city council and representatives from the Riverside County Transportation Commission and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments cut a ribbon on the bridge, which crosses over Grapefruit Boulevard.

Hundreds of people watched as the Coachella Valley High School Mighty Arabs Marching Band joined classic cars for a ceremonial crossing of the bridge.

Locals say it’s a long time coming, while law enforcement says the completion was essential.

“Our response to calls for service has been delayed because of this construction, and because we have to find a way around it. So this will certainly help law enforcement and paramedic response in a more timely manner,” said Riverside County Sheriff’s Lt. Misty Reynolds. “That’s always a good thing for the community.”

The project was launched after several deaths and injuries resulting from vehicle-train collisions. Mayor Hernandez said there were four deaths from car vs. train crashes since 1976.

“We had a couple family members pass away going over the tracks,” said onlooker Salvador Celaya. “This makes it safer for us, too!”

Trains crossed at the location more than 52 times per day as of 2013, and that figure is expected to rise to 60 crossings each day by 2030, city officials said, citing figures from Union Pacific railroad.

See more raw video of the parade and performances by following Samantha Cortese on Twitter and Facebook