SAN DIEGO -- Work began Thursday on a 500-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego.

The bridge, touted as the nation's largest self-anchored pedestrian suspension span, will allow Petco Park visitors and Convention Center guests to safely cross Harbor Drive and multiple train and trolley tracks.

At a groundbreaking ceremony, officials said the bridge realizes a 100-year vision to link Balboa Park and San Diego Bay.

"The overpass will improve traffic in the area and serve as an important connection among neighborhoods, buildings and even regions," said Mayor Jerry Sanders. "I'm proud to see this project breaking ground and I know we'll all be proud to see it as part of our skyline."

The Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge is expected to cost $26.8 million, according to the Centre City Development Corp. It is expected to be completed late next year.

The bridge's design includes a 500-foot-long, curved span, with a 130-foot-tall angled pylon, 16-foot-wide deck, stainless steel-wrapped suspension cable railing, lighting and landscaped plazas on both ends.