press release

November 17, 1997

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PARTIAL CLOSING OF SWEETWATER RIVER BICYCLE PATH; USERS FACE DETOUR BETWEEN PLAZA BONITA ROAD & 2nd AVE.

Bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to expect a partial closure of the Cal Trans bicycle path on the Sweetwater River for a two-to-three month period (weather permitting), beginning December 15. While the unpaved trail on the South side of the Sweetwater River will remain open, it is unsuitable for bicycles and runners.

The closure will affect the portion of the paved trail between Plaza Bonita Road in National City and 2nd Avenue in Chula Vista. The portions of the bicycle path west of 2nd Avenue will remain open.

The suggested detour asks Westbound path users to proceed North on Plaza Bonita Road to Sweetwater Road, then proceed West (Left) on Sweetwater Road to 2nd Avenue, turning South (Left) on 2nd Avenue to rejoin the path on the West side of 2nd Avenue. (Eastbound users would follow the detour in reverse)

Editor’s Note: The closure will allow construction of water pipelines related to construction on a demineralization facility to treat brackish water. The facility will provide 4 million gallons of drinking water daily for 165,000 customers of Sweetwater Authority, the public water provider to much of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita. Wells located near the path will be used to obtain groundwater which will be transported to the facility through pipelines underneath the pathway. The pipeline construction includes facilities for the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, Cox Cable and Pacific Bell.