This series explores the Life, Death, and Rebirth of the 6th Street Bridge:
What does it mean to physically destroy our collective past? To be in a state of impermanence- that things can be redefined, that everything is inherently in a state of flux. Why does preservation matter if we can construct in the name of progress? If we don’t know where we’ve been, how do we move forward- and what does that mean if we physically don’t have the referents to understand in the first place?
This photo essay documents the transient nature of the bridge during its deconstruction. The states of flux within the demolition re-emphasize the relationship that Los Angeles maintains with the constructed environment.
A construction sign foreshadows the destruction of the bridge.
The 6th Street Bridge awaiting its fate following the closure to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The viaduct stands fractured following a weekend marathon demolition of the span that used to transverse the 101 freeway.
A portion of the Art Deco style railing lies in ruin at the base of the 6th Street Bridge.
A stranded support beam waits to be pulled down by demolition crews.
Demolition crews work carefully to destroy the historic structure without damage to the surrounding businesses.
The 6th Street Bridge stands bisected in the Los Angeles River, with equipment gathering below to finish the demolition.
A remnant span of the bridge remaining in place as a support for crash webbing.
The western span of the iron arches, decking removed, before their ultimate obliteration.
The 6th Street Bridge stood for over 84 years before it was decided that it would be demolished.
A detail of the techniques used in the construction of the 1932 bridge revealed by its deconstruction.
A skateboarder rides down the eastern bank of the LA River, with the 6th Street Bridge in ruin behind.
The main Art Deco support column stands in the middle of the LA River as one of the last testaments of the 6th Street Bridge.
The last shadows of twilight descend on the remains of the main river support column, as crews work to remove the rubble.
Crews work to dismantle the last standing super structure of the the 6th Street Bridge.
Water flows in the Los Angeles River, with the bend now the only remaining trace of what was the 6th Street Bridge.
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