Connect The Trail
Safe Trails, Healthy River, Stronger Community
#ConnectTheTrail is an ambitious, community-driven initiative to complete the San Diego River Trail & Bikeway, creating a contiguous 9 mile path from OB/Dog Beach to the I-15 fwy.
Together we are closing critical gaps to create a seamless mountains-to-sea park system. This work enhances mobility, recreational access, and restores the river corridor's ecological health.
WEST VALLEY CROSSING Pedestrian & Bike Bridge
The proposed West Valley Crossing (Project AT052) is located along the San Diego River Trail in Mission Valley (at the little league fields) and is the single most crucial barrier to achieving a contiguous, safe San Diego River Trail.
While this crossing is on the map, it is currently stuck in neutral, leaving a dangerous, missing piece in this critical regional artery. This is more than just a bike path; it is a vital, central corridor for clean air, alternative transportation, and public well-being.
Closing this gap is the most direct, immediate way to deliver real-world climate action and permanently connect our citizens to nature, health, and clean mobility.
People Power Moves Projects
What We Achieved In Just Two Months, Sep & Oct 2025
- Political Awareness: Your calls and social media activity put the West Valley Crossing on the radar of the SANDAG Board, City Councilmembers, and County Supervisors.
- Project Status: The Crossing (AT052) is confirmed as a priority project in the SANDAG Regional Plan, giving us a strong advocacy foundation.
- Growing Alliance: We mobilized partners and supporters.
- Trail Activation: Our volunteers proved commitment through with over 100 participants in river segment events.
What You Can Do
INDIVIDUALS:
- Take Action! Click the Take Action button to see the most updated requests for action, support and participation. Together we can enhance and advocate for the river trail.
ORGANIZATIONS, GROUPS, ELECTED OFFICIALS, & BUSINESS:
- Sign the Joint Letter of Support.
- Inquire about the San Diego River Coalition, set to re-form in 2026.
Complete an {inquiry form.}
Community Supporters of the West Valley Crossing Pedestrian & Bike Bridge:
Map of the Trail Segment
Why This Area is Critical
West Valley Crossing in Orange
Immediate Safety Risk: The missing crossing forces vulnerable users onto hazardous local roads, creating a major safety threat.
Transit and Congestion: This link is vital for connecting thousands to the MTS Green Line Trolley and is essential to reducing vehicle reliance to alleviate traffic congestion.
Climate and Growth: We cannot meet regional VMT and GHG reduction targets if essential active transportation infrastructure is incomplete in this high-growth area.
Official Designations & Project History
- San Diego River Regional Bikeway is a regional asset and federal grant eligible.
- The City of San Diego's San Diego River Park Master Plan listed West Valley Crossing (WVX) as an important project of the San Diego River Trail and conducted feasibility study in 2009.
- SANDAG Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program (EAP) listed WVX as a high-priority project.
- SANDAG 2025 Draft EIR Regional Plan (Project AT052) (31H) listed WVX for near-term completion by 2035.
- Mission Valley Community Plan prioritized the WVX for funding.
Get in Touch
Have questions about Connecting the Trail? Contact Jillian Quint, Manager - River Trail Advocacy at jillian@sandiegoriver.org, or call 619-297-7380.