LOS ANGELES — Mayor Eric Garcetti at the moment celebrated the opening of the Sixth Avenue Viaduct Bridge — the most important bridge mission within the historical past of Los Angeles.
“The Sixth Avenue Viaduct isn’t only a connection between our communities – it’s a brand new landmark that represents the tenacity, magnificence, and promise that defines Los Angeles,” stated Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I couldn’t be extra excited to rejoice with my fellow Angelenos who’ve been ready for today for six years and are able to expertise the advantages of this historic mission.”
The $588 million bridge, which broke floor in 2016, is 3,500 toes lengthy, 100 toes extensive, and options 10 pairs of arches various from 30-60 toes in top. The bridge is likely one of the most seismically protected items of infrastructure within the Metropolis, and is constructed to maneuver as much as 30 inches in all instructions within the occasion of a significant earthquake. Building on the bridge created practically 2,000 jobs over the lifetime of the mission.
The Viaduct replaces the unique Sixth Avenue Viaduct with a brand new iconic design, and safely accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and autos. The bridge accommodates class IV protected bike lanes all through its entirety, and is supplied with ADA accessible ramps at a number of entry factors.
The Viaduct may also function a backdrop for different facilities within the space, particularly the forthcoming 12-acre park beneath the Viaduct that’s scheduled for completion in 2024. When full, the park will characteristic new soccer fields, health services, a playground, basketball and volleyball courts, a canine park, picnic areas, and new areas for bushes and landscaping. An arts plaza and amphitheater might be positioned on the west aspect of the park, which can characteristic a efficiency stage and a terraced viewing space. Building is scheduled to start later this 12 months.
“After greater than six years of being closed, we’re excited to reopen the newly constructed Sixth Avenue Viaduct and usher in a brand new period for Los Angeles,” stated Councilmember Kevin de León. “As soon as once more, this bridge will take its place as considered one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks connecting the Arts District with Boyle Heights. This celebration might be a tribute to the years of devoted work that went into creating some of the inspiring public works tasks in our Metropolis’s historical past.”
“Our workforce is extraordinarily proud to ship this iconic landmark to Los Angeles to be loved by generations to return,” stated Gary Lee Moore, Metropolis Engineer for the Metropolis of Los Angeles. “This viaduct has been a labor of affection and dedication for thus many people within the Metropolis, our companions and significantly the Bureau of Engineering. We labored intently with the group to create a multi-modal area that not solely creates a brand new bridge for autos, but in addition brings thrilling new strolling and biking choices with breathtaking views.”
“The completion of the Sixth Avenue Viaduct represents a historic milestone for our metropolis,” stated Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34). “This federally-funded $588 million landmark, often known as the ‘Ribbon of Life’ Bridge or ‘Puente del Pueblo’ in Spanish, will reconnect Boyle Heights to Downtown Los Angeles and supply leisure actions – from bike paths to soccer fields – that can convey our communities nearer collectively. The Sixth Avenue Viaduct is a shining instance of collaboration between members of the group and officers in any respect ranges of presidency, and I stay up for seeing extra infrastructure tasks dropped at Los Angeles because of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package deal I voted for and was signed into regulation by President Biden.”
“I’m pleased with this historic funding that not solely bridges the river but in addition created greater than 3,000 jobs and can present entry to inexperienced area, bike paths, and leisure alternatives for the encompassing neighborhoods,” stated State Senator María Elena Durazo. “This effort is a testomony to our state’s dedication to rebuild our infrastructure, uplift our communities and assist our native economies.”
“After serving to to safe thousands and thousands in state funding for the completion of the long-lasting bridge, I couldn’t be extra thrilled to see the Sixth Avenue Bridge open to the general public, particularly as a resident of Boyle Heights,” stated Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles). “With the addition of motorcycle lanes, pleasant pedestrian entry, and a brand new upcoming park in 2023, we’ve got a brand new group staple that not solely modernizes the bridge however improves group entry by connecting the center of my District from Boyle Heights to the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.”
“Solely with robust and cooperative partnerships is an enormous endeavor similar to this one potential,” stated Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “The brand new Sixth Avenue Viaduct was really a three way partnership, and Caltrans is proud to be a part of the most important bridge mission within the historical past of Los Angeles.”
On Saturday, July 9, CD14 will host a group celebration on the viaduct. On Sunday, July 10, the viaduct will open to pedestrians and bicycles from 11 AM to 4 PM, and can totally open to all site visitors at 7 PM.
