The Cross Valley Connector will soon become a reality for Santa Clarita motorists.

[view:node_ad=5] The state of California has just approved the environmental review for construction on the cross valley connector bridge.

“It’s really a significant step for us,” said Robert Newman, city Public Works Director. “We’re now able to move to bidding and construction.”

Set to be built over the Santa Clara river near Soledad canyon road, this last section will finalize the roadway, linking the 14 freeway with the 126, and will alleviate traffic flow on the main roads of Santa Clarita.

Presently fast-paced, the process to create a bridge over the Santa Clara river did not happen overnight.

“We’ve been working on the design and the environmental for a little over five years, which is about what Caltrans said it would take.” Newman said.

Currently, Golden Valley road connects the 14 freeway with Soledad Canyon road, but will soon be extended all the way to the 126 upon completion of the bridge. With six to eight lanes, the road will have eight and a half miles of roadways, intersections and bridges.

Santa Clarita residents can expect to use the cross valley connector to it’s full potential within a year.

 “We’re planning on having the road open late 2009.”