The graceful convex of North Torrey Pines Road Bridge creates a Gothic arch shape that serves as a gateway to the public beach while subtly referencing an adjacent bridge over the railway to the north. The bridge replaces a 1930s-era structure deemed to be structurally and seismically inadequate, and environmentally harmful due to poor tidal flushing. The new design; a hunched, 3-span, cast-in-place, pre-stressed box girder with only 4 columns, allows for natural tidal flushing and incorporates elements from the surrounding sandstone formations. Other improvements include ADA access ramps to the beach, a 7′ wide sidewalk, two bike lanes, two bus turnouts and new storm water controls to prevent car pollutants from entering the lagoon.
