Bankers Hill Footbridge is now reopened
The 106-year-old bridge over Maple Canyon between Fourth and Third avenues is again open to pedestrians following a $90,000 repair and a Thursday morning ribbon cutting ceremony that included city officials, District 2 City Councilman Kevin Faulconer and Ben Baltic.Ben represented the new Bankers Hill residents group and thanked the city on behalf of the neighborhood for getting action on the bridge repair instead of giving us a sympathetic ear and excuses. (The group meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30-8pm in the Great Hall of St. Paul’s Cathedral. All are welcome.)
The wooden bridge was designed by Bankers Hill resident George A. d’Hemecourt and constructed in 1905 to allow residents better access to the trolley lines. This neighborhood favorite is the only remaining trestle bridge in the county. Its deck planks were replaced in 1974, and the base was reinforced in 1981. Termite damage and dry rot forced its closure in 1987, but after repairs, the popular footbridge was unanimously designated historic by the City of San Diego.
One of the unique features of the bridge is that steps from both sides taking pedrestrians several feet below the canyon rim and into this lovely natual oasis away from the noise of urban living. Maple Canyon and the Quince Street Pedestrian Bridge are truly neighborhood treasures.
More than a dozen residents turned out for Thursday morning’s dedication ceremony and happily took the first walk (above) on the once-again repaired bridge with Councilman Faulconer.
Thanks to everyone for returning this walkway to the community! Several neighbors personally thanked the city for fixing this Bankers Hill landmark…so everyone may again enjoy a relaxing walk across the old bridge!!