Santa Clarita OKs Bridge Plan

The Santa Clarita City Council, confronting the toughest political issue in the young city’s history, voted unanimously late Tuesday night to build a controversial bridge which had been vigorously supported and bitterly opposed by two warring neighborhoods for weeks.

The bridge would span railroad tracks, San Fernando Road and the Santa Clara River to link Wiley Canyon Road in Valencia with Via Princessa in the Circle J development.

Circle J residents said the bridge would provide their secluded community a badly needed second access, for safety purposes. Currently the only route into the community is Circle J Ranch Road, which can be blocked by rail traffic.

Keith McNally, who headed the pro-bridge effort, argued that the council had to support the bridge for the good of the entire city, and to prove that selfish interests could not control city policy.

Valencia residents complained that the bridge would dump unwanted traffic into their peaceful community. “It makes little sense to siphon traffic through a residential neighborhood,” said Tamsie Irvan.

More than 250 people filled the council chambers Tuesday night. An overflow audience listened to the proceedings over speakers set up outside the building.

“This is the first really big issue that the city has had to face,” Mayor Jan Heidt said.