The long-awaited – but coming in earlier than the projected timeline – completion for the McHenry Avenue Improvement Project was celebrated on Dec. 11.

Representatives from San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties joined together with project officials, city leaders and more to mark the opening of the new bridge and celebrating the installation of the stop light at the McHenry Avenue and River Road intersection.

Under gray skies and with the threat of rain, a brief history of the project was provided by San Joaquin County Public Works Director Kris Balaji, who also introduced a number of speakers. A ribbon cutting was hosted and a parade of classic cars then proceeded to cross the bridge, turning from River Road onto McHenry and flowing across the bridge from San Joaquin into Stanislaus County.

“This is the power of partnership,” noted Paul Van Konynenburg, CTC Commissioner. “You will all share in the results.”

Look for the full story and additional photos in the Dec. 18 issue.