News of the Arroyo
Title: | Least costly option involves replacing historic structure |
Subtitle: | |
Date: | 2003-11-12 |
Summary: | November 12, 2003 - Plans for one of the Arroyo classic bridges are now emerging. Pasadena ponders whether to rehab or rebuild the graceful La Loma Bridge. |
Author: | Gretchen Hoffman |
Publication: | Pasadena Star News |
Content: | By Gretchen Hoffman Staff Writer PASADENA -- Billed as the \"handsome small sister of the Colorado Street Bridge\' when it opened almost 90 years ago, historic La Loma Bridge is cracking, rusting and must be repaired or torn down, according to results of a scientific analysis. A 1999 seismic study concluded the 378-foot reinforced concrete bridge, which runs along La Loma Road from Arroyo Boulevard to Rockwood Road, spanning the Arroyo Seco, is not strong enough and is deteriorating, said Pasadena city engineer Roubik Mardirosian. The looming question is whether to rehabilitate or replace the bridge, which is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its historically significant architecture, the bridge is featured in many plein-air paintings of the 20th century, said Christle Balvin, who is handling community outreach for the project. \"It has a double significance,\' Balvin said. Retrofitting the open spandrel arch structure in a way that preserves its historical and aesthetic integrity will cost an estimated $9.45 million. A second option, replacing the bridge with a new concrete arch bridge designed to echo Pasadena\'s tradition of arched bridges, would cost about $7.6 million. The cheapest option under consideration, at $5.3 million, is to replace the bridge with a concrete box girder bridge that would reflect little of the architecture of the original. A public meeting to review and discuss environmental issues related to the restoration or rebuilding is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday in the Westridge School community room, 324 Madeline Drive. City officials have secured $2.25 million in federal funds for the project and have applied for another $5.3 million in federal funding, Mardirosian said. In all, the federal grants would require about $1.8 million in local matching funds, he added. An environmental impact report has not yet been prepared for the project. With all three architectural options the bridge would be closed to traffic for 18 months during construction, due to begin in early 2006. An equestrian and walking trail that runs below the bridge would likely have to be closed, but Balvin said they hope to divert other portions so that there is no gap in the trail. \"The main thing we want to do is make sure it\'s safe,\' Assistant City Engineer Steven Wright said. Although less widely known locally than the San Rafael Bridge, which also needs repairs, La Loma Bridge is eligible for more funding for repairs due to its traffic patterns, Wright said. It serves mainly low-density, single-family neighborhoods in the affluent west Pasadena area. -- Gretchen Hoffman can be reached at (626) 578-6300, Ext. 4494, or by e-mail at gretchen.hoffman@sgvn.com. |
Url: |