Menifee opens $16 million Freedom Bridge on Bradley Road

The Freedom Bridge over Salt Creek in Menifee is now open to traffic.

City leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered on Oct. 13 to mark the opening of the 365-foot-long structure. The project, which began construction in July 2025, cost $16 million and was funded by a mix of federal, state, county, and local sources. The new bridge replaces the former Bradley Road Bridge and includes dedicated bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

The Menifee City Council voted to rename the structure based on a recommendation from the city’s Veterans and Military Families Advisory Committee. Banners representing all six branches of the United States military are installed along the bridge to honor the local veteran and military community. This change in name coincides with the completion of the infrastructure project, which aims to improve connectivity for residents traveling north and south on Bradley Road.

The new span provides a reliable route during rainy weather, eliminating the need for drivers to travel through standing water on the road. City officials say the bridge also enhances safety and allows for faster response times for first responders serving the area. The structure is designed to handle the volume of traffic that previously navigated the old crossing, which often faced delays during storms.

In a related update for drivers in the Inland Empire, the Department of Motor Vehicles confirms that California law still requires front license plates on most passenger cars and pickup trucks. This rule applies to standard vehicles, including Teslas, as well as pickup trucks. The California Vehicle Code mandates that when two plates are issued, one must be mounted on the front and the other on the rear. Exceptions exist for specific vehicle types, such as motorcycles, trailers, and certain antique cars, which may only require a rear plate.

Elizabeth Brooks of San Bernardino asked whether the requirement for front plates had recently changed after observing many vehicles without them. The DMV clarified that the plates must be securely fastened, clearly visible, and free of alterations. The department noted that the rule is standard for most drivers, and the absence of a front plate on many cars often stems from exemptions for specific vehicle classes rather than a change in state law for standard passenger cars.

Residents with questions about commuting, freeways, or parking can contact the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin’s On the Road column by email or phone. The column seeks specific questions from readers who spend significant time in their vehicles, asking for details such as city of residence and contact information to help provide accurate answers.