Tonight on cable channel 36, Newswire L.A., a broadcast will feature L.A.’s historic West Boulevard Bridge. Spanning Venice Blvd just south of Pico, many residents of Hancock Park use it as a ‘shortcut’ in their route to LAX. The bridge was built in 1933 and is celebrating 80 years of service, creating a link between what many consider the south and north sides of Los Angeles.
The West Adams Heritage Association (WAHA) and Mid City Neighborhood Council (MINC) worked together to designate the West Boulevard Bridge as Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument No. 1023. The bridge was constructed during a period of growth in nearby historic neighborhoods of Lafayette Square and Victoria Park and replaced the wooden viaduct that was built in 1920 to provide a safe route across Venice Boulevard for local high school students. Prior to being built, LA had one of its worst rail accidents on the location, killing some 15 people.
According to the Office of Historic Resources, this new historic monument features a double-arch span with a closed spandrel element, three pillars, round fluted ornamental light posts and zig-zag designs.
Cable station LA 36 has produced two 30-minute broadcasts about the West Blvd. Bridge in conjunction with the 80th Anniversary of this new L.A. landmark. The broadcasts air tonight and next Wednesday night. If you can’t watch it live, you’ll be able to catch the broadcast on YouTube (see info below)
I’ve seen the bridge and driven over it. It is not a significant architectural gem in my opinion.