Updated October 28, 2026
Irvine's Jeffrey Open Space Trail (JOST) bridge, a nearly 1,200-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the 5 freeway at Jeffrey Road, opened on August 11, 2026. It carries the trail over Walnut Avenue, the Jeffrey Road Park & Ride and the freeway, joining the north Irvine section of the JOST, which ends at the Cypress Village Trail, to a new southern extension that now reaches Smoke Tree. The City says it completes a car-free corridor of about five miles. At 15 feet wide, it's the largest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Irvine.
What the bridge fixed
The JOST opened in 2015 with 3.5 miles of path and art installations about the area's history, running from Portola Parkway down to the Cypress Village Trail. What it never had was a way across the 5. Riders heading south had to turn around or use surface streets and freeway ramps.
Irvine broke ground in March 2024. The project was paid for with $14.5 million in state funding secured by then-State Senator Dave Min, now a U.S. representative, and $5,056,000 from Caltrans, according to the City's opening announcement. The contractor, Guy F. Atkinson Construction, lists a construction contract of about $23 million; the City hasn't published an all-in project cost. The bridge is a concrete structure with steel railings and lighting, and it's lit for use at night.
Before August 11, 2026 | After | |
|---|---|---|
Crossing the 5 on the trail | Not possible | Dedicated bridge of nearly 1,200 feet, separated from traffic |
Car-free JOST corridor | About 3.5 miles, ending north of the freeway | About 5 miles, south to Smoke Tree |
Next planned reach | n/a | Barranca Parkway |
Mayor Larry Agran said at the ribbon cutting that the bridge "completes a vital 5-mile corridor through the heart of our City." LAist's coverage of opening week has more on how riders used it, plus a parking tip.
Which neighborhoods it serves
The City doesn't name a list of villages, but the map is clear enough:
- Cypress Village connects directly through the Cypress Village Trail, where the north side of the bridge lands.
- Woodbury borders the Jeffrey Open Space spine and gets the same benefit: the dead end at the freeway is gone.
- Northwood sits on the west side of Jeffrey Road. A pedestrian bridge over Jeffrey Road, the Venta Spur Trail crossing between Bryan Avenue and Irvine Boulevard, is planned but not built; the City held community workshops in September and October 2026.
- Oak Creek, south of the freeway, can now reach the trail's southern extension, which is open to Smoke Tree. The Oak Creek park concept below would add more trail, but it's only proposed.
Where the trail leads now
To the south, the trail system continues toward Quail Hill, where an existing bridge over the 405 connects to the University Trail. From there, the South Coast Wilderness, about 20,000 acres including Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Aliso and Wood Canyons and Crystal Cove State Park, is reachable by a longer ride. The City describes its goal as a trail system running from the Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest. The new bridge fills a gap in the middle of that route; it doesn't put the coast a short ride away.
What's still to come
Everything in this section is planned or under construction, not open yet.
- JOST at Portola Parkway. The fourth and final JOST segment, a pedestrian crossing over Portola Parkway into the roughly 700-acre Gateway Preserve, is tied to the new Gateway Village. The City's June 2026 FAQ says land development began in June 2026, with first home sales expected in fall 2027. The preserve is the planned gateway to Limestone and Black Star canyons.
- Jamboree and Michelson. A pedestrian bridge linking the Park Place campus and Central Park West in the Irvine Business Complex is under construction, with completion listed for spring 2028.
- Oak Creek. In April 2026 the City Council created an optional path for a public nature park of at least 50 acres on part of the Oak Creek Golf Club, with trail bridges over the rail line and Irvine Center Drive. No project has been approved; the housing plan is in environmental review. See where the Oak Creek plan stands.
Riding it
The City's opening notice pointed to the Caltrans Park & Ride at 5595 Walnut Avenue, directly below the bridge. LAist suggested parking at the Cypress Community Center and using a short connector trail. From either, head south across the freeway.
What it means for homes nearby
For homes in Cypress Village and Woodbury, the trail now goes somewhere in both directions, which is worth saying plainly in listing copy. Gateway Village matters too: it's planned to bring the last trail link toward the Gateway Preserve, and 1,138 new homes, with first sales expected in fall 2027 according to the City. Nearby resale homes will be competing with those new homes once they're on the market. For how newer villages compare on price and speed, see newer vs. established Irvine villages.
FAQ
When did the JOST bridge over the 5 open?
On August 11, 2026, with a ribbon cutting at Jeffrey Road and Walnut Avenue.
How long is the Irvine JOST bridge?
Nearly 1,200 feet long and 15 feet wide. It crosses the 5, the Jeffrey Road Park & Ride and Walnut Avenue, and the City calls it Irvine's largest pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Where do I park to ride the JOST bridge?
The Caltrans Park & Ride at 5595 Walnut Avenue is directly below it. The Cypress Community Center is another option, with a short connector to the trail.
How was the JOST bridge paid for?
The City lists $14.5 million in state funding and $5,056,000 from Caltrans. The contractor lists a construction contract of about $23 million. The City hasn't published a total project cost.
Thinking about selling in Cypress Village, Woodbury or Northwood? We'll show you what's selling nearby and how we'd market your home, trail access included. Book a time with Ricky.
About Irene and Ricky Zhang: RealTrends Verified ranks Irene and Ricky Zhang the #1 small team in Irvine by both sales volume and transaction sides (2026 City Rankings, based on 2025 production). Bridge and trail details are from the City of Irvine as of October 2026.
