Let’s put apart, for a second, the scenes of mayhem on the brand new sixth Road Viaduct — the road takeovers, the automobiles spinning doughnuts and the fun seekers scaling the arches — for the reason that visually placing bridge opened this month. These issues will most likely be mounted quickly with the set up of velocity bumps, a median strip and fencing.
As a substitute, give attention to the crowds of pedestrians, cyclists, skate boarders, Instagrammers who’ve flocked to the bridge and made it their very own. Regardless of lower than ideally suited situations (the rushing automobiles and the flimsy “protected” bicycle lanes), the sixth Road Viaduct has develop into a spot for household strolls, bike rides, scenic views, even quinceañera pictures and a podcast recording. That is no mere roadway connecting Boyle Heights and downtown. It’s a chance to rethink L.A. transportation infrastructure and public area.
The viaduct was constructed for automobiles, but it surely ought to be reclaimed for individuals.
What if Los Angeles closed the bridge to automotive site visitors a number of nights or days every week? The Los Angeles Police Division has already blocked the bridge 4 occasions in 5 nights, principally due to avenue racing and motorist misbehavior. The town may make these momentary closures everlasting, turning the viaduct right into a shared public area for individuals to stroll, bike and simply hang around on the weekends or evenings. With session from the encircling communities, the bridge may develop into a spot for neighborhood live shows, a farmers market or no matter residents need.
If there’s help, maybe the town may finally shut the bridge to motorists altogether, creating Los Angeles’ model of New York Metropolis’s Excessive Line park. L.A. is already growing parks across the ends of the bridge, with a sculpture backyard, meadow and canine play space on the downtown facet and facilities together with a soccer area, sports activities courts and kids’s play space on the Boyle Heights facet. Think about having a secure, stunning connection between the 2 communities.
The primary chaotic weeks of the brand new sixth Road Viaduct may flip right into a uncommon and fantastic alternative. The bridge is already a visible landmark. What if it turned a cultural landmark as properly — marking the start of a brand new period in Los Angeles, one which elevates individuals over automobiles.
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