California City Celebrates Opening of New Gateway to San Diego Bay and Future Development
Chula Vista, Calif. (PRWEB) October 30, 2014 -- The Port of San Diego and the city of Chula Vista celebrated the completion of the H Street Extension project in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 30, 2014. The project created a new connection from the San Diego Bay waterfront to the main streets in western Chula Vista. The $7.2 million project is part of the Port's Capital Improvement Program.
Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox and Port Commissioner Ann Moore commemorated the new entryway by cutting a red ribbon, marking the opening of the newly extended roadway. The grand opening festivities also included the unveiling of a commemorative brass plaque installed in the new sidewalk. The plaque's location indicates the historical high tide line and features the names of the current Chula Vista Mayor and City Council, and the current Board of Port Commissioners.
"The H Street extension is far more than just a street improvement project," said Commissioner Moore. "It's an opening to San Diego Bay, making it significantly easier to access our beautiful Chula Vista Bayfront."
The project broke ground in November 2013 and was completed under budget and slightly ahead of schedule. It extended H Street, which previously came to a dead-end at Bay Boulevard, by approximately 2,000 linear feet to reach Marina Parkway.
Work included surface demolition of an area previously used by Goodrich Industries. Asphalt, concrete surfaces, utility pipes, storm drain pipes and structures were removed. New utilities were installed, including a new storm drain pipe and steel water lines. A dewatering system and new bio-retention basins were also added to assist with best management practices in relation to storm water.
Extension of the roadway entailed constructing a modified four-lane roadway section. A separate 12-foot wide bike lane and five-foot wide sidewalk were also included. Additional work included enhanced street lighting and landscaping.
"This is a historic day for Chula Vista," said Mayor Cox. "The opening of H Street demonstrates that visible progress continues on a plan that will give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy new parks, attractions and residences along our portion of San Diego Bay."
The H Street Extension is another milestone for the Chula Vista waterfront. In February 2013, the South Bay Power Plant was imploded in order to ready that portion of the bayfront for redevelopment. Another sign that long-awaited bayfront development is coming to fruition is the October 14, 2014, Board of Port Commissioners action that authorized negotiations with RIDA Development Corporation to build a planned hotel and convention center on the bayfront.
Media Relations, City of Chula Vista, Office of the Mayor, http://www.sdfoundation.org/CommunityFoundations/ChulaVistaCharitableFoundation.aspx, 619-691-5044, [email protected]
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