IRVINE : City to Study Need for Pedestrian Bridge

To proponents, building a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across San Diego Creek to link two shopping centers might provide Irvine with a so-far elusive staple of urban life: a central plaza and meeting area.

To opponents, the bridge would be a big waste of money, because they contend it doesn’t fit with the design of the area, and shoppers would not use it.

The City Council hopes to figure out who’s right by commissioning an independent study of the bridge issue. At stake is the $500,000 it would cost to build the structure between the Crossroads and Westpark Plaza shopping centers.

The Irvine Co. agreed to build the bridge several years ago in exchange for the city’s approval of the Westpark Plaza project. Now, the company wants the bridge condition removed from the development agreement, saying the structure is not likely to be used by the public.

But some residents and city officials aren’t so sure.

“I maintain that this could be a wonderful amenity for the city,” said Councilwoman Paula Werner. “This could add to the shopping experience. It could be a friendly area.”

Advocates of the project said the bridge would encourage people to walk between the two shopping centers instead of driving. It might also prompt some residents to bike or walk from home to their favorite shops, they said.

The Crossroads contains several stores, including a Mervyn’s and Target. Westpark Plaza has a Lucky Food Center and Payless Drug Store, and the Irvine Co. plans to add a restaurant, eight-screen movie theater, a gas station and additional shops.

“We have no center in Irvine. We have no downtown,” said Werner. “The Crossroads is one of those areas where you feel like you are in the center of the city. I think if it is well-planned, (the bridge) could be a good draw.”

But Irvine Co. officials contend that the bridge would be seldom used. It would be more convenient for shoppers to drive between the centers than lugging bags of groceries and packages over the bridge, said Dawn McCormick, spokeswoman for the company.

Another flaw with the bridge plan is that it would connect the rear sides of both centers, McCormick said. “We don’t think that from a planning perspective, it’s especially wise that the backs of the two centers be linked,” she said.

The Irvine Co. has agreed to pay $10,000 for the study, which will be administered by the city. The report will measure residents’ and merchants’ attitudes about the project. It should be completed this spring.

After reviewing the report, the council will decide whether the company must still build the bridge.