Traffic Light on New Bridge Monday

Traffic was light Monday on the new Centennial Memorial Bridge in west Beaumont.

The $12 million trestle bridge in San Timoteo Canyon officially opened Thursday.

The bridge is key to the future "Potrero Boulevard Bypass," which will eventually provide direct access to State Route 60 at an interchange south of the bridge.

For now, the bridge connects to a southbound road that leads to Western Knolls Avenue. One mile from the bridge motorists can get on the westbound 60, and 1.5 miles from the bridge they can get on the eastbound 60.

Each motorist who tried the bridge Monday afternoon had it all to themselves, but at least a dozen passed by in 30 minutes.