Cesar E. Chavez Avenue Viaduct (1926) (Los Angeles, California)

USA / California / Vernon / Los Angeles, California
 bridge, historic landmark
Originally called the Macy Street Viaduct, the Cesar E. Chavez Avenue Viaduct is the second bridge built during large bridge-building program in Los Angeles during the 1920s. The first bridge located on this spot was a wooden, kerosene lamp-lit covered bridge, built in 1870. It was later replaced with a small metal truss bridge.

The program started in 1923 with lobbyists pushing for the replacement of several of the city's outdated bridges and viaducts. The Macy Street truss bridge was problematic for motorists due to its narrow width and two railroad mainlines (the Santa Fe and Union Pacific) located on either side of the span. Construction for the new span started in mid-1925 and the bridge formally opened on April 17, 1926. The bridge's Spanish Colonial elements are a nod to El Camino Real, the route of which Macy Street/Cesar Chavez Avenue follow. It is also why the bridge is dedicated to Father Junipero Serra.

In 1995, Macy Street, which was named after Los Angeles pioneer Dr. Obed Macy, was changed to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in honor of the former labor leader. So, too, was the name of the bridge changed.

bigorangelandmarks.blogspot.com/2009/03/no-224-cesar-e-...
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   34°3'17"N   118°13'38"W

Comments

  • The last photo is of the former Macy Street truss bridge.
This article was last modified 9 years ago