California Incline - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Highlights from the historic California Incline re--opening ceremony on Thursday, September 1, 2016. The now seismically upgraded and stronger bridge boasts a 16-foot-wide separated shared pedestrian/bicycle path, a reflection of Santa Monica’s commitment to multi-modal living. “We are thrilled to welcome the new safer and stronger California Incline on the 120th anniversary of the Sunset Trail,” said Mayor Tony Vazquez. “This vital link between Santa Monica and PCH demonstrates what federal dollars can do to support significant local infrastructure.” The new balustrades pay homage to the old barrier rail with its streamlined modern design now with more contoured arches and pilasters. The new concrete bridge deck now sits on 96 concrete piles drilled beneath the bluff’s surface, supporting the shared bike and pedestrian path, and one lane for vehicles in both directions. Over 1,000 soil nails to stabilize the bluff along the eastern edge. The new Incline exceeds strength requirements and will serve more than just cars in a community that is all about transportation choice. “Our new California Incline is not only a feat of modern engineering, it’s the fruit of great human effort, sure to be with us for some time to come,” said Curtis Castle a civil engineer with the Public Works Department. “Hundreds of individuals worked on this project day and night for 17 straight months.” The 17 months reconstruction project was paid for by the Federal Highway Trust Fund.