ASCE Los Angeles Section

Winnetka, Los Angeles

Replacing the existing bridge superstructure and widening the bridge by approximately 11 feet on the south side and 14 feet on the north, for six traffic lanes, adding to the current four through lanes a dedicated right-turn lane and a left-turn pocket in the median for westbound traffic approaching the Mason Avenue intersection (with current standard lane widths and shoulders); widening the roadway approaches to match the new bridge width; widening the sidewalks to standard width and replacing the existing barrier rails with architectural barrier railings; installing new street lighting on the bridge; and installing new traffic signals at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Vanowen Street.

In summary, the project replaces the superstructure and widens the existing alignment over the Los Angeles River to match the roadway approach, improving functionality and level of service.

The original bridge was determined Functionally Obsolete based on the bridge inventory rating. The bridge load capacity was low which translates into the inability of the bridge deck to support the estimated load demands for an indefinite period of time. Also, the serviceability and functionally of the original geometry of the bridge was not sufficient to handle the average daily traffic demand.

The project involved working in the Los Angeles River during the dry seasons and building the bridge foundations and walls within that time frame. On top of the bridge, traffic was maintained at all times on creating a more complex work area zone. Extensive utility relocation offerts were necessary in the relocation of several overhead power and communication lines as well as buried utilities.

Utility relocation obstacles required extensive efforts with the LADWP, The Gas Company, and several cable communication utilities agencies. Relocation of these utilities were necessary in order to demolished the bridge deck and sidewalk. Design improvements to the precast girders were made to support the gas line and fiber optic utilities located inside the existing north bridge sidewalk. The overhead lines (total of 7 lines) were relocated to a temporary pole to avoid conflicts.

On behalf of the Awards Program, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the Vanowen St Bridge Project. The completion of this project improves the quality of life for the residents.

On behalf of the Awards Program, thank you for your hard work and commitment to the Vanowen St Bridge Project. The completion of this project improves the quality of life for the residents.