Los Angeles is renowned for its iconic landmarks, from the Hollywood Sign to Griffith Observatory. Now, a new structure has joined their ranks, capturing the city’s spirit of innovation and artistry: the Sixth Street Bridge. Officially named the Sixth Street Viaduct, but affectionately known as the Sixth Street Bridge, this $588 million project is not just a functional piece of infrastructure; it’s a breathtaking architectural statement and the largest bridge project in Los Angeles history. Opened to the public in July 2022, the new Sixth Street Bridge replaces its beloved but deteriorating predecessor, ushering in a new era for this vital Los Angeles artery.
A Modern Marvel Rises: Replacing an Icon
The original Sixth Street Viaduct, built in 1932, served Los Angeles faithfully for decades. However, time and a condition known as Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) took their toll. ASR, caused by reactive aggregates in the concrete, led to cracking and deterioration despite numerous repair attempts. Ultimately, engineers determined that replacement was the only viable solution.
In 2012, the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering launched an international design competition to reimagine the Sixth Street Bridge. The winning design, dubbed “The Ribbon of Light,” came from local Los Angeles firm Michael Maltzan Architects and HNTB. This visionary concept promised not just a bridge, but a symbol.
Demolition of the old Sixth Street Bridge began in 2016, a process that lasted nine months. Construction of the new viaduct commenced immediately after, funded by a collaboration between the Federal Highway Administration, the California Department of Transportation, and the City of Los Angeles.
Features of the New Sixth Street Bridge: More Than Just a Crossing
The new Sixth Street Bridge is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a destination in itself. Its most striking features are the ten pairs of soaring arches that define its silhouette against the Los Angeles skyline. These arches are not merely aesthetic; they are equipped with color-changing LED lighting, allowing the bridge to become a dynamic part of the city’s nighttime landscape.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Sixth Street Bridge is designed for modern urban living, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists alongside vehicular traffic. Key features include:
- Generous Sidewalks: Ranging from 8 to 14 feet wide on each side, the sidewalks offer ample space for pedestrians to stroll and enjoy panoramic city views.
- Protected Bike Lanes: Dedicated 10-foot wide Class IV protected bike lanes run along both sides of the bridge, promoting cycling as a safe and viable transportation option.
- Helical Ramps and Stairways: An impressive 3.5-level helical ramp on the east side in Boyle Heights, stretching 790 feet long and 45 feet tall, provides access, complemented by a 510-foot west ramp on the Arts District side. Five sets of stairs will further enhance connectivity to the ground level when the Sixth Street Viaduct PARC is completed in 2026, promising new public spaces beneath the bridge.
Grand Opening Celebration – Sixth Street Viaduct – July 9-10, 2022
A celebratory crowd gathers on the newly opened Sixth Street Bridge during its grand opening in July 2022, showcasing the bridge’s immediate popularity as a public space.
Honoring the Past: The Legacy of the Original Sixth Street Viaduct
While the new Sixth Street Bridge represents the future, it also stands on the shoulders of history. The original Sixth Street Viaduct, constructed in 1932, was a vital part of Los Angeles infrastructure for almost a century. As the longest of the fourteen historic bridges spanning the Los Angeles River, it played a crucial role in connecting the Arts District and Boyle Heights, two dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods.
The old Sixth Street Bridge was more than just infrastructure; it was a cultural icon. Its gritty, industrial aesthetic made it a popular filming location, appearing in countless movies, music videos, and commercials, often as the backdrop for quintessential Los Angeles car chases.
Spanning 3,500 feet, the original bridge featured a four-lane roadway and sidewalks. Interestingly, its massive scale necessitated an on-site concrete mixing plant during construction, a unique feature compared to other river bridges of the time. Sadly, the very concrete that made it monumental also contained the seeds of its eventual decline due to Alkali Silica Reaction.
Viaduct Diagram
An illustrative diagram provides a detailed overview of the Sixth Street Bridge’s structural components, highlighting its innovative arch design and cable support system.
Building a Bridge for the Future: Project Details and Community Collaboration
The Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement Project was a massive undertaking, spearheaded by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, under the leadership of City Engineer Gary Lee Moore. The $588 million investment reflects the project’s scale and significance for the city.
The selection of “The Ribbon of Light” design through an international competition underscores the city’s commitment to architectural excellence. The collaboration between HNTB and Michael Maltzan Architects brought this vision to life, with Skanska Stacy and Witbeck leading the construction. Beyond infrastructure, the project also generated hundreds of jobs, boosting the local economy.
Community input was integral to the project from the outset. Former Mayor Villaraigosa established the Design Aesthetic Advisory Committee (DAAC) in 2012, comprising community leaders and design professionals. The DAAC provided valuable feedback on bridge aesthetics, lighting, and community gateway elements. Similarly, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) ensured that community concerns were addressed throughout the Environmental Impact Report and planning phases, fostering a sense of ownership and consensus around the new Sixth Street Bridge.
Experience the Sixth Street Bridge: A New Los Angeles Destination
The Sixth Street Bridge is more than just a crossing; it’s a destination and a symbol of Los Angeles’s future-oriented vision. Since its grand opening, it has quickly become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, eager to walk, cycle, and admire the stunning architecture and city views.
The bridge’s striking arches, especially when illuminated at night, offer incredible photo opportunities and have already made it a sought-after location for filming and photography. For those interested in capturing the bridge on film, all requests should be directed to FilmLA, as detailed on their website.
To delve deeper into the story of the Sixth Street Viaduct and the other historic bridges of Los Angeles, the Bureau of Engineering produced a documentary, “Bridging Los Angeles.” This film offers a fascinating look at the bridge’s history and the broader context of Los Angeles’s infrastructure heritage and is available for viewing online.
The Sixth Street Bridge stands as a testament to innovative engineering, architectural vision, and community collaboration. It is a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Los Angeles, offering not just a crossing, but an experience.
