Project to replace 100-year-old Clovis bridge nearing completion. Here are details

A Clovis bridge that was intentionally torn down after 100 years has almost been fully rebuilt.

The bridge replacement has been taking place just south of the intersection of Leonard and Bullard avenues in the east Clovis area.

Crews have been working the past three months to upgrade the old Leonard Avenue Bridge that went over a canal.

The original was a two-lane timber bridge constructed to allow vehicle traffic to travel over the Enterprise Canal.

The narrow bridge, demolished Sept. 26, needed to be updated because it was “becoming structurally deficient due to its age,” according to Thad Avery, an engineer for the city.

In addition, the new bridge is expected to help alleviate some of the increased traffic on nearby Locan Avenue, Avery added.

The new two-lane bridge lies atop a reinforced concrete box culvert. Crews also have been working to improve the canal embankments and roadway pavement.

The completed box culvert will allow for the future widening of Leonard Avenue to its ultimate width of four lanes.

Logan Welch, engineering inspector, estimated the project could be completed by Jan. 12, though upcoming rain next week might delay the completion date.

Pedestrian bridge done

Meanwhile, a different bridge in the area intended for pedestrians that walk over the Enterprise Canal was completed as of Thursday.

The project, a collaboration between the City of Clovis and local developers, provides a safe and scenic crossing, can be access from Amanecer and Del Monte avenues.

The pedestrian bridge is considered an important piece of the Enterprise Canal Trail, which is part of Clovis’ Active Transportation Plan and overall trail system.

Once completed, the trail will span more than seven miles across the city, from the northwest to the southeast and provide a new connected route for walking, running and biking.