City of San Bernardino Partners with Rialto
for Pepper Avenue Street Improvement Project
The Cities of San Bernardino and Rialto came together on Monday, October 17, for a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the launch of a co-funded project to improve Pepper Avenue between Mill Street and Base Line Street.
Elected officials from both cities, along with neighbors, staff, and contractors attended the event held at Rialto High School.
"We are so pleased to see this project moving forward", said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson. "Pepper Avenue is important not only as a major roadway, but it also serves as the eastern gateway to Rialto and the western gateway to San Bernardino."
The project will include pavement replacement and rehabilitation, as well as the installation of ADA accessible ramps and construction of new sidewalks to connect existing gaps.
San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem and Third Ward Council Member Juan Figueroa also spoke highly of the partnership between the cities.
"It is so good to work with our counterparts from the City of Rialto on a project that benefits both of our residents," said Figueroa.
Sixth Ward Council Member Kimberly Calvin took a moment from her remarks to ask neighbor Holly Guererro to join her at the podium.
"Holly and so many other west San Bernardino residents have been asking for Pepper to be improved," said Calvin. "We are happy that this day has finally come."
The Cities entered into an agreement in May of 2020 to jointly fund the costs associated with improving Pepper Avenue. This includes the project design, construction, inspection, and administration. The City of San Bernardino was designated as the lead agency for the project and Rialto will reimburse San Bernardino 50% of the total cost.
Work is expected be completed by mid-2023.
