Boyle Heights in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Sixth Street Viaduct
Photographed By Craig Baker, August 14, 2022
1. Sixth Street Viaduct Marker
Inscription.
Sixth Street Viaduct. . The original Sixth Street Viaduct, constructed in 1932, included art deco features, two pairs of iconic steel arches, and was recognized as Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument 905. The 1932 viaduct was designed by the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering team of Merrill Butler, Louis L. Huot and Louis Blume. At 3,546 feet long with 43 spans, it was the longest of all the Los Angeles River bridges and became a popular filming location. Over time, the historic viaduct's concrete began to decay through a chemical process known as alkali silica reaction that weakened the bridge, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. After numerous efforts to save the bridge, the city determined it needed to be replaced. It was demolished in 2016. The new Sixth Street Viaduct's design, "The Ribbon of Light", pays respect to the original arched structure it replaced. The new viaduct, completed in 2022, is a network-tied arch structure that is designed to withstand a 1,000-year seismic event. The viaduct was designed to provide enhanced safety features for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles for generations to come.
The original Sixth Street Viaduct, constructed in 1932,
included art deco features, two pairs of iconic steel
arches, and was recognized as Los Angeles Historic
Cultural Monument 905. The 1932 viaduct was designed by
the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering team of
Merrill Butler, Louis L. Huot and Louis Blume. At 3,546
feet long with 43 spans, it was the longest of all the
Los Angeles River bridges and became a popular filming
location. Over time, the historic viaduct's concrete
began to decay through a chemical process known as
alkali silica reaction that weakened the bridge, making
it vulnerable to earthquakes. After numerous efforts
to save the bridge, the city determined it needed to be
replaced. It was demolished in 2016. The new Sixth Street
Viaduct's design, "The Ribbon of Light", pays respect to
the original arched structure it replaced. The new
viaduct, completed in 2022, is a network-tied arch
structure that is designed to withstand a 1,000-year
seismic event. The viaduct was designed to provide
enhanced safety features for pedestrians, cyclists, and
vehicles for generations to come.
Erected 2022 by City of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 905.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
Location. 34° 2.214′ N, 118° 13.272′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Boyle Heights. Marker is on 6th Street, 0.1 miles west of Boyle Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located near the northeast corner of the bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Los Angeles CA 90033, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. This marker is located near the northeast corner of the bridge, and an identical marker is located near the southwest corner
Photographed By Craig Baker, August 14, 2022
2. Sixth Street Viaduct Marker
Highway 101 is visible below.
of the bridge, a half-mile away.
Several other bridges crossing the L.A. River are also designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments: Cesar Chavez Ave #224, Spring Street #900, Main Street #901, Olympic Blvd #902, Seventh Street #904, Fourth Street #906, First Street #909.
Additional keywords. 6th Street
Photographed By Craig Baker, August 14, 2022
3. Sixth Street Viaduct and Marker
Downtown Los Angeles is in the distance.
Photographed By Craig Baker, July 9, 2023
4. Fourth Street Bridge
L.A. Historic Monument No. 906.
Photographed By Craig Baker, July 9, 2023
5. Seventh Street Bridge
Built in 1910. Raised deck added in 1927. L.A. Historic Monument No. 904.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 399 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on July 11, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
