Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Demolition Of The 6th Street Viaduct Begins
That headline hurts. :(
This morning, demolition crews descended upon the eastern portion of the 6th Street Viaduct and began to demolish the 84-year-old landmark.
The bridge holds a special place in L.A.’s memory. Aside from its appearance in countless films, music videos, and photographs, the bridge itself was an architecturally significant, art-deco landmark that harkened back to an earlier version of Los Angeles now relegated to history.
Although the demolition will take place over the course of several weeks, demolition crews today are working rapidly to demolish the part that stretches over the 101 Freeway in Boyle Heights. Right now, the 101 Freeway is shut down east of the 110 while crews tear down the bridge.
Support for LAist comes from
This portion of the demolition, as Eric Garcetti jammed out earlier this week, is expected to take about 40 hours, during which the 101 will remain closed.
But, honestly, who cares about the freeway closure. Los Angeles is losing a piece of its history today. And though we’ll always remember it in the movies, there was just something so special about driving (or biking) across it, downtown Los Angeles in full view, that the silver-screen will never be able to recreate it.
The new bridge is scheduled to open come 2019.
Here are some social media posts showing the progress of the demolition over the course of the day:
#101SlowJam - chunks of the 6th St. bridge falling into the 101! #dtla #LosAngeles #la @ABC7 #abc7eyewitness pic.twitter.com/9yBdJ3OHXN
— Chelsea Edwards (@_chelseaedwards) February 6, 2016
Demolition begins on the Sixth Street Bridge near downtown #LA. Traffic from #SlowJam101 expected through Sunday. pic.twitter.com/cq0Zj6GWD6
— luis sinco (@luissinco) February 6, 2016
#101SlowJam is in full swing. Check back regularly to get updates on the ongoing #101fwy closure. #LAtraffic pic.twitter.com/VRsnMRKYH4
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) February 6, 2016
Support for LAist comes from
Incredible shot by @CaltransDist7 >>> The Mighty 6th Street Bridge is coming down pic.twitter.com/c3Z04qpHY3
— Shelby Grad (@shelbygrad) February 6, 2016
Lone #skateboarder is the only #traffic on the 101 Freeway as demolition of #SixthStreetBridge continues Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Vx6KbsVYAR
— luis sinco (@luissinco) February 6, 2016
Crews knock down 6th Street Bridge #101SlowJam pic.twitter.com/UtrneO7ODk
— Julie Sone (@ABC7JulieSone) February 6, 2016
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance. -
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
Best of LAist