Burbank Celebrates the Re-Opening of Burbank Boulevard Bridge
Burbank, California (November 24, 2021) — The City of Burbank hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening of the Burbank Boulevard Bridge on Wednesday, November 24. Holiday shoppers will now be able to use the bridge to quickly travel across the city.
For motorists travelling across the I-5, the new bridge features three through lanes and two left turn lanes in each direction to access the freeway. The bridge also includes bicycle lanes and a 10-foot sidewalk for pedestrians on the south side, creating a safer environment for those using alternative transportation options.
The bridge was also moved approximately 125 feet to the west of the old bridge to straighten the I-5 alignment improving drivers’ visibility along the freeway. The enhancements are part of a complete reconstruction of the Burbank Boulevard interchange into a “diamond interchange,” which makes access to and from the freeway more direct for motorists and replaces older loop ramps with straightened ones that meet current safety and capacity standards. The old northbound I-5 onramp, which was previously separated from the interchange and connected to a residential street, was relocated into the interchange.
The bridge will remain open with some minor lane, ramp, or overnight closures to finish overall freeway construction.
“We are very excited about the reopening,” said Burbank Mayor, Bob Frutos. “Just in time for the holiday shopping for Burbankers to easily travel through and around the City.”
“Today’s completion of the new, modern Burbank Boulevard Bridge is a milestone that will benefit many. Residents and visitors to the area will have a smoother driving experience. And it’s a big step towards ultimately widening the I-5, the backbone of trade and commerce in the western United States. A big thank you to all the partners who helped bring this project to its completion: Senator Anthony Portantino, California Transportation Commission Chair Hillary Norton, Metro, CalTrans and the City of Burbank -- who has borne the most significant impacts -- for their commitment, patience and determination,” stated Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
“I am excited to have worked with my colleagues in Burbank to complete the Burbank Boulevard Bridge re-construction. The re-opening of the new and improved bridge is a momentous day for Burbank residents and visitors, making access to and through the City more seamless and efficient. This a significant advancement for the City of Burbank and its neighboring cities,” said Metro Board Vice Chair & Glendale Councilman Ara Najarian.
“The new Burbank Boulevard Bridge is longer than the old 1961 span, and its construction will allow Caltrans to extend carpool lanes in both directions on I-5,” stated Mark Archuleta, Deputy District Director for Construction for District 7. “These improvements will help to ease traffic on the freeway as well as provide extra safety for both drivers, bikers and pedestrians.”
The Burbank Boulevard Bridge reconstruction is the last of the Golden State Freeway (I-5) Corridor Improvement Project, for the City of Burbank. Funded by Caltrans and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the project included construction of the new Empire Avenue Interchange, which opened in September 2019 and now provides a new multimodal crossing of Interstate 5 between Downtown Burbank and the growing Golden State/Airport neighborhood. It also included the construction of a grade-separated rail crossing at Buena Vista Street, which was completed in 2017 and improved safety at this former rail crossing while also building important double-track improvements needed to bring frequent, bi-directional Metrolink service to the City.
The ribbon cutting event, inspired by the original bridge’s ribbon cutting event in 1961 concluded when a collection of vintage automobiles escorted the City Council and other officials in a “first drive” across the new freeway crossing to commemorate the event.
More information about the Golden State Freeway (I-5) Corridor Improvement Project and the reconstruction of the Burbank Boulevard Bridge is available at www.my5la.com.
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About Burbank
Burbank is a diverse community of 106,800 residents. Billed as the “Media Capital of the World”, numerous media and entertainment companies are headquartered in Burbank including Warner Bros. Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Netflix Animation, and Cartoon Network Studios. With the Hollywood Burbank Airport located within the City, Burbank is a go-to destination for business and tourism. Additionally, Burbank is known for its walkable and safe neighborhoods, well-run school district, and “small town” charm.