A seismically stable replacement for LA’s iconic 6th Street Viaduct

The iconic 6^th Street Viaduct in Los Angeles, known for its starring role in the movie-musical Grease, was closed in 2016 for demolition and replacement due to concerns over its seismic vulnerability. The bridge provided a vital connection between the Boyle Heights neighbourhood and Los Angeles’ Art District, making its timely replacement an important project for the city.

COWI was appointed as Erection Engineer by Joint Venture Skanska-Stacy & Witbeck, who are building the replacement bridge. COWI has been tasked with developing a constructable erection sequence, which includes hanger installations, stress analyses and stabilising the seismic pendulum bearings of the bridge during construction.

The project is in the construction phase, and the new bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2022.