New L.A. Bridge Designs Reflect a City Intent on Serving People, Not Just Cars

In searching for Los Angeles' "next major icon", the city's Bureau of Engineering has called on three design and engineering teams to fully redesign the Sixth Street Viaduct. The competition called for a "$400 million, cable stayed structure."

The three agencies -- HNTB, AECOM, and Parsons Brinckerhoff -- each submitted distinct designs that "not only showcased memorable forms, but embraced people-friendly designs, including pedestrian paths, parks, and connections to the river below."

Though varying in material and form, each of the designs provide lookout points, pedestrian walkways and access to parks below, a priority for Mayor Villaraigosa who refers to the city as "park poor." According to the mayor, the new bridge is a starting point for Angelenos to "reimagine the city as a place where people can work, play, and recreate."

The winning design will be chosen at the end of this year, and construction is slated to be completed in 2018.