Angelenos celebrated the opening of the Sixth Street Viaduct Bridge over the weekend — the largest bridge project in the history of Los Angeles.
“The Sixth Street Viaduct isn’t just a connection between our communities – it’s a new landmark that represents the tenacity, beauty, and promise that defines Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with my fellow Angelenos who have been waiting for this day for six years and are ready to experience the benefits of this historic project.”
The $588 million bridge, which broke ground in 2016, is 3,500 feet long, 100 feet wide, and features 10 pairs of arches varying from 30-60 feet in height. According to the Mayor’s office, the bridge is one of the most seismically safe pieces of infrastructure in the City, and is built to move up to 30 inches in all directions in the event of a major earthquake. Construction on the bridge created nearly 2,000 jobs over the life of the project.
The Viaduct replaces the original Sixth Street Viaduct with a new iconic design, and safely accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The bridge contains class IV protected bike lanes throughout its entirety, and is equipped with ADA accessible ramps at multiple access points.
The Viaduct will also serve as a backdrop for other amenities in the area, namely the forthcoming 12-acre park underneath the Viaduct that is scheduled for completion in 2024. When complete, the park will feature new soccer fields, fitness facilities, a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, a dog park, picnic areas, and new areas for trees and landscaping. An arts plaza and amphitheater will be located on the west side of the park, which will feature a performance stage and a terraced viewing area. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.
“After more than six years of being closed, we are excited to reopen the newly built Sixth Street Viaduct and usher in a new era for Los Angeles,” said Councilmember Kevin de León. “Once again, this bridge will take its place as one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks connecting the Arts District with Boyle Heights. This celebration will be a tribute to the years of dedicated work that went into creating one of the most inspiring public works projects in our City’s history.”
“Our team is extremely proud to deliver this iconic landmark to Los Angeles to be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Gary Lee Moore, City Engineer for the City of Los Angeles. “This viaduct has been a labor of love and determination for so many of us in the City, our partners and particularly the Bureau of Engineering. We worked closely with the community to create a multi-modal space that not only creates a new bridge for vehicles, but also brings exciting new walking and biking options with breathtaking views.”
“The completion of the Sixth Street Viaduct represents a historic milestone for our city,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “This federally-funded $588 million landmark, known as the ‘Ribbon of Life’ Bridge or ‘Puente del Pueblo’ in Spanish, will reconnect Boyle Heights to Downtown Los Angeles and offer recreational activities – from bike paths to soccer fields – that will bring our communities closer together. The Sixth Street Viaduct is a shining example of collaboration between members of the community and officials at all levels of government, and I look forward to seeing more infrastructure projects brought to Los Angeles thanks to the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package I voted for and was signed into law by President Biden.”
“I am proud of this historic investment that not only bridges the river but also created more than 3,000 jobs and will provide access to green space, bike paths, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding neighborhoods,” said State Senator María Elena Durazo. “This effort is a testament to our state’s commitment to rebuild our infrastructure, uplift our communities and support our local economies.”
“After helping to secure millions in state funding for the completion of the iconic bridge, I could not be more thrilled to see the Sixth Street Bridge open to the public, especially as a resident of Boyle Heights,” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles). “With the addition of bike lanes, friendly pedestrian access, and a new upcoming park in 2023, we have a new community staple that not only modernizes the bridge but improves community access by connecting the heart of my District from Boyle Heights to the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.”
“Only with strong and cooperative partnerships is a massive undertaking such as this one possible,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “The new Sixth Street Viaduct was truly a joint venture, and Caltrans is proud to be part of the largest bridge project in the history of Los Angeles.”