A rendering of the bridge facing southeast. (provided by City of Menifee)
The bridge over Salt Creek at Bradley Road will officially be named Freedom Bridge after the Menifee City Council unanimously approved the name Wednesday.
The name was chosen to honor the city’s veteran and military community after the Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee recommended Freedom Bridge and Bridge of Honor as its top two choices.
Expected to open later this fall, the 365-foot bridge will include two vehicle lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks in each direction, providing a new connection through the area.
Councilmember Dan Temple said he supported the name because it honors veterans and the freedoms they helped preserve.
“Our freedom is the greatest gift that we’ve been given and the legacy that we continue to give,” Temple said. “So, I think that’s a very appropriate name.”
Council members also voiced support for adding military branch flags and a bronze plaque to the bridge as additional tributes to those who have served. Staff estimated the plaque would cost about $1,800, while a full banner installation representing each military branch would cost about $4,550.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin said he originally hoped the bridge could be named after a local veteran but ultimately agreed with the committee’s recommendation.
The council also approved expanding the city’s facility naming policy to cover all city-owned facilities and public infrastructure, including bridges, trails and civic buildings, creating a consistent process for future naming decisions.
