[SDCBC] Progress on SR 125 in Sunnyside

[Philip Erdelsky]

When State Route 125 (also known as the South Bay Expressway) was
being built, it disrupted both mountain and road biking routes
through Sunnyside (better known as the area east of Bonita) and
Sweetwater Regional Park. See Thomas 1291 A5, A6, A7 B6, B7.

Quarry Road, which was used by road bicyclists going from
Bonita to La Presa (Thomas 1291 A5), was closed and all but
obliterated by construction on the interchange between SR 125
and SR 54. The central portion has been rebuilt, apparently
as a bike/ped/horse trail with pavement on one side and
hard-packed dirt on the other side:

      http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/36450.jpg

It doesn't appear to be open yet. There are closure signs,
although it isn't clear whether the signs apply to non-motorized
travelers. Signs at the other end indicate that it's still a
construction zone. But the construction is obviously almost
complete, so the area should be opening soon. Bicyclists and
pedestrians can probably get through when construction
crews are not present.

The connection between Sweetwater Road and Worthington Street
has been restored for automobiles, bicyclists, pedestrians
and others. Even if Quarry Road is not open, there is no need
to take the long detour via Briarwood Road.

Meanwhile, a little farther south, the Sweetwater River Trail
is a favorite hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian route which
was severed by SR 125. It has now been reconnected. You can go
over the highway on something close to the old hiking route:

      http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/36384.jpg

Or, if you want a better mountain biking route and you're willing
to go to the top of the mountain, you can go north on Conduit Road
and follow some newly constructed switchbacks underneath SR 125:

      http://www.efghmaps.com/temp/36384.jpg

Notice the yellow-top post, which marks this as an official
riding and hiking trail. Although this route goes over the top
of the hill, the views are probably worth the climb, and there are
two interpretive plaques at the summit.

Access to the reservoir is still restricted to Saturday, Sunday and
Monday. When I was there on Thursday, June 5, signs further restricted
access by automobiles.

There is a fee for automobile parking at the reservoir and the
Sweetwater Summit campground. I saved $3 by parking on the street and
biking in.

-- Philip Erdelsky

P.S. Additional pictures of this area are available.