The Sixth Street Bridge: Then and Now (walking tour)

You've seen the headlines and viral videos, but do you want to see the truth for yourself?

In Los Angeles there has always been one structure that has captured the hearts of our residents and visitors from all over the world, the Sixth Street Viaduct spanning the Los Angeles River; the original 1930s bridge had been featured in countless films and music videos seen worldwide, as well as serving locals a time honored place recognized for being a meeting spot between the eastside working-class culture and the gritty vibrancy of the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District.

Though the newly rebuilt Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement which opened in July of 2022 has already made a name for itself as one of the most exciting and picturesque destinations you will find anywhere. It was opened with the fanfare of classic cars and lowriders, with bike and skateboard rides; and a constant stream of excited guests from all over the world.

FEATURED ON THIS TOUR:

We will not just visit the Sixth Street Bridge, we will even take a walk under the bridge and into the Los Angeles River; to see sites featured in the films Grease, Terminator 2, Transformers and also countless television shows. And of course it is the most favored mention and cameo in just about every Chicano movie about Los Angeles Mexican-Americans, as essential to our family stories.

Though we will take this special walk to be more than tourists; but to taken an urban pilgrimage to tell the story of our community; from its start as the Kizh (Tongva) indigenous village of Apachianga which straddled the river, through the Spanish and Mexican history, and ultimately reveal how in age of American segregation these bridges became famous in the story telling of local working-class communities of people of Mexican, Jewish, Japanese, Italian, Armenian and African-American descent; people of many cultures centering their family legends around their travels over this historic bridge since the 1930s.

We will talk about how these bridges have historically been both means of connection and division in the Los Angeles story; how they once defined lines of class and racial segregation, and how in this place a unique integration has always been challenging the social boundaries of our city in this very place. We will also learn about how this new bridge is being utilized to try to correct some of the historical failures of the past, with bold and even challenging new models for providing local infrastructure designed to also serve as a communal destination for all the people of the city.

We will discuss the classic-age history of how the bridges were built and the rivers to cross a once dangerously wild and unpredictable river at the heart of our community; and the rise of our gorgeously ornamented viaduct system, as well as reasons for the tragic demise of the classic Sixth Street Bridge in 2016; and discuss the challenges of rebuilding a structure that was truly beloved and iconic, with a modern and even futuristic new viaduct which graces our skyline today.

Have you walked the NEW Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement yet? Are you curious about the modern bike ramps and pedestrian lanes, and the future 12-acre park that is going to be taking shape here?

Do you have either fond memories you want to recall of the old bridge, or do you have a burning curiosity to find out what makes this must-see Los Angeles attraction so special?

Are you ready to go urban exploring under the bridge and check out the Los Angeles River up-close to see an area known in Grease as “Thunder Road”? We will also learn about how in real life the historic classic car, kustom and low rider heritage formed here, and for generations it has been maintained as a time-honored heritage that is significant to this place.

Want to learn how a historic immigrant working-class community of Boyle Heights and the up-and-coming Arts District are both aiming at maintaining their distinct historical character in the face of change?

If so, then this is the tour for you!

# MEETING LOCATION:

We will be starting our tour at the new Art’s District Park, located at 501 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013; starting at 4pm, and our aim is to be on top of the bridge for the golden hour of sunset for some wonderful photogenic moments.

We will be ending our tour on the Boyle Heights side, which is just 1.5 miles away. There on the eastside we encourage people get to know our local street vendors of tacos and the nostalgic eateries of our community. This tour is the perfect prelude to a romantic evening on the bridge and along the Los Angeles River.

# PARKING AND TRANSIT INFO:

Public parking is often available. Paid public parking is also available at 440 S Hewitt Street, the lot is open 24-hours and has a $10/day limit.

For public transit coming from either Downtown Los Angeles on the west or traveling from East Los Angeles, the best bus route is the MTA 18 bus to exit at Mateo, and then walking north to our meeting location at the public park.

We recommend that people come by ride-sharing or taxi.

REMINDERS: There are no refunds. If you are ill, please stay home and contact to make arrangements to attend a future event.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: https://www.bhhistorytours.com/terms-and-conditions

The proceeds of this tour go to the funding of our Boyle Heights History Studios - museum and cultural center.

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Host or Publisher Boyle Heighte Heights History Studios (& Tours)