Foothill makeover nearly done
Today's front-page article gives an update on the Foothill Boulevard widening project. You know, the project that has slowed traffic in the area that we all assume is Upland. The most significant part of the project, a new bridge at Baker Avenue, will be complete and ready for bikers and pedestrians in October. Here's what it's going to look like:
On the north side of the street is a trailhead park. A parking lot and restroom are here. On the left side of the photo, is a small structure. That is a chunk of the old bridge and next to it will be a historic timeline. There are also stairs and a ramp to get to the Pacific Electric Trail.
This is a view looking westward. Here, Foothill will be widened to three lanes in each direction with a sidewalk, median and bike lane. You see here the bridge is much longer and that weird narrow curve at the bridge is history.
On the north side of the street is a trailhead park. A parking lot and restroom are here. On the left side of the photo, is a small structure. That is a chunk of the old bridge and next to it will be a historic timeline. There are also stairs and a ramp to get to the Pacific Electric Trail.
This is the east bound view of the bridge. The art on the structure has the theme of Route 66.
Renderings courtesy
of Jacobs Engineering
Renderings courtesy
of Jacobs Engineering
This is an exciting project. Not sure anyone but you Wendy believes this area is part of Upland. The Magic Lamp, Vincent's and the Sycamore Inn as well as crazy Jim Moffat's Red Hill Coffee Shop have been associated with Cucamonga for decades.
Some of us call it the "West Side" which in many ways is preferable to the big box, chain driven homogenous east side.
You do a great job with this blog and covering RC in general. Thanks.
Dear Louis, Upland city limits do not begin until Grove Ave., so all of the business's who mentioned are well aware that they are in Rancho Cucamonga...even though it is the "dreaded" west side. Many of us "eastsiders" routinely patronize those establishments on a regular basis because you are so correct when it comes to big box, chain establishments. So I apologize for correcting you, but I agree with your statement completely.
I cannot wait! I had quite the ordeal while riding into Upland to run an errand a few months back. Arrow was quite "fun" with seedy characters hanging out on the sidewalk and crazy drivers not understanding how to share the road with a biker. Geez trying to get my exercise and save a little gas shouldn't be that scary/complicated.
Louis,
Why do you write "crazy Jim Moffat's Red Hill Coffee Shop" ???
Maybe Louis said crazy because Jim Moffatt's omelets are crazy good.
Wendy,
Great to see this piece featured on the front page. As one who has worked withthe city on the Pacific Electric Trail, I am "chomping at the bit" to be able to ride my bicycle on the new section. Also I look forward to the feature of Route 66 at the new trailhead. I think that many of us are either too young or some of us are too old and have forgotten the huge roll that this section of Route 66 has played in the developement of this west (left)coast section of America.
Dennis