The contract for the final design and right of way support services on the US$6.5 million project is worth up to US$369,707.

The bridge will provide a southern access for pedestrians over a highway, supplementing an existing northern bridge.

A design contract that was originally let to another consultant in 2002 has now expired following a series of contract changes and the city decided to appoint a new designer from its on-call list. Parsons had been ranked second for the La Loma Bridge design contract in June and was invited to put in a cost proposal for the Sierra Madre Villa bridge.

The final design is expected to be complete in a year, followed by nine months for the construction contract to be put in place. The bridge is expected to open for use in early 2013.