L.A. Bridge Project Elevates Contemporary Design

Bridge and Gardens Los Angeles broke ground this month on an ambitious bridge project, designed by Michael Maltzan of Michael Maltzan Architecture.

The 3,500-foot bridge, made of up of 10 pairs of arches that will light up at night, is replacing the iconic Sixth Street Viaduct, which was built in 1932. It will span the Los Angeles River and U.S. Route 101 freeway, connecting the Boyle Heights neighborhood to downtown L.A.

“These pairs of repeated concrete arches and cable-supported roadway deck are simultaneously elegant and efficient,” the architect said. The project is scheduled for completion in 2019.

The bridge will enhance access for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, with five staircases at different points along the span along with ramps for cyclists. Additionally, the structure is being built in tandem with parks and green space being developed under and around the bridge.

“The project foresees a multimodal future for the city, one that accommodates cars, incorporates significant new bicycle connections and also increases connectivity for pedestrians to access the viaduct,” said Maltzan.

It will link “the bridge to the Los Angeles River and future urban landscapes in a more meaningful relationship.” The project is just one contributor to the recent surge in the city’s building design projects.