Modern span will replace historic downtown L.A. bridge

A modern cable-supported bridge will replace the stately arches of the 6th Street Bridge over the Los Angeles River on downtown's eastern edge, the Los Angeles City Council decided.

The chance to build a new monument that will reflect contemporary design won out over an appeal from preservationists to replicate the double steel arches in the main span.

“We’re going to have a bridge that links to the city’s past while looking to the future,” said Councilman Jose Huizar, whose district includes the 1932 bridge. “I think it’s the right direction to go.”

Tom LaBonge was the only council member to vote against the new design, decrying the loss of a bridge that is viewed by preservationists as a key part of an ensemble of a dozen historic Los Angeles River bridges.

“This drastically changes what is a tremendous view of this bridge,” he said. “It hurts me to see that we would let this bridge go.”