The new bike path connects the east and west portions of the Santa Clara River Trail, making for a smoother, safer ride. Also note dedicated sidewalk for pedestrians. Photos by Joe Lemon/Metro.

Newly widened bridge with dedicated bike path and protected sidewalk.

Local officials celebrate the official completion of the McBean Bridge Widening and Bike Path Project.

The city of Santa Clarita held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning to celebrate the completion of the McBean Bridge Widening and Bike Path Project. The project was funded with $3.775 million through Metro’s 2009 Call for Projects. The city contributed $3.088 million.

The McBean Bridge Widening and Bike Path Project includes the widening of the McBean Parkway Bridge to eight lanes to improve traffic flow, the addition of a raised landscaped median and asphalt improvements.

The project also added a dedicated bike path and protected sidewalk on the bridge to connect the Santa Clara River Trail and the South River Trail. An additional trail connection beneath the north side of the bridge to connect the east and west portions of the Santa Clara River Trail was also built, providing improved connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians.