South side of Newport bridge now has road surface

The road surface on the south half of the Newport Road bridge is taking shape and the new northbound on-ramp (bottom photo) is open. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

One of the final phases of construction on the Newport Road interchange project at Interstate 215 is well underway, with the concrete now in place on the south side of the bridge.

When completed, that side of the bridge will double the capacity for traffic, increasing the bridge to six through lanes. Two looping on-ramps opened previously -- the most recent Sept. 27 -- to help eliminate left turns off the bridge for those entering the freeway.

Intermittent lane closures on the bridge and the freeway will continue during work on the final phase of construction, which is expected as early as next month.