Ribbon-cutting ceremony, dedication held for the Hamner Avenue project and Mayor Berwin Hanna Bridge

Community leaders, elected officials and dignitaries gathered Monday, Aug. 26, at Eastvale Community Park to cut the ribbon on the Hamner Avenue Bridge and Widening Project and dedicate the bridge to former Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna.

Construction on the 85-year-old Hamner Avenue bridge in Norco began in January 2021. Hamner Avenue, a major artery and alternative route to Interstate 15, links Corona, Norco, Eastvale and cities in San Bernardino County to the north, and traffic was expected to increase over time with the growth of population in the region.

The new bridge, which spans over the Santa Ana River, is 1,200 feet long and features structural, seismic, and hydraulic state-of-the-art design. It includes a four-foot-wide median and shoulders, along with a new 12-foot-wide separated multipurpose trail on the east side of the bridge. The trail is expected to open later this summer and will provide equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists, a safe route across the bridge and access to the regional Santa Ana River Trail. The project cost $71 million from federal, state, and local funding streams.

Riverside County Second District Supervisor Karen Spiegel spoke during the ribbon cutting and dedication, along with Congressman Ken Calvert, Riverside County Transportation Commission Executive Director Aaron Hake, and Western Riverside Council of Governments Executive Director Kurt Wilson.

“This bridge is a critical link for our communities here in Riverside County and beyond,” Spiegel said. “At a time of tremendous population growth in our county, construction of the 6-lane bridge will benefit motorists, residents, and visitors for years to come.”

The original Hamner Avenue bridge honored Riverside County Supervisor John Thomas (JT) Hamner, who served on the Board of Supervisors from 1902 to 1922. Hamner was a passionate horseman, dedicated to improving the region, and a strong supporter of public transportation who incorporated a trolly line in the area.

Monday’s bridge dedication also honored a passionate horseman from the City of Norco. The new bridge was dedicated in honor of former Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna who, just like his predecessor, is a dedicated public servant and advocate for public transportation improvements in the region.

In December 2020, following a community request, the Norco City Council approved the dedication and naming of the new bridge in honor of former Mayor Berwin Hanna. During his tenure, Mayor Hanna, who is instantly recognized by his trademark cowboy hat, has made persistent regional efforts to champion the construction and funding of the new bridge.

“Since joining the City Council in 2007, Berwin has consistently advocated for Norco at all levels of government and has brought continuous attention to the Hamner Bridge Project,” said Mayor Kevin Bash. “May this bridge forever stand as a testament to Mayor Hanna’s enduring legacy and symbolize his unwavering dedication, selfless service and profound impact on the Norco community.”

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