Remember the Red Car Trolleys? The Red Car Bridge in Los Angeles honors them. This bridge connects Silver Lake to Red Car River Park. It sits just south of the busy Glendale-Hyperion bridge.
The Red Car Bridge lets walkers and bikers avoid the Glendale-Hyperion traffic. It will be a key link while the Glendale-Hyperion bridge gets a seismic upgrade. The Red Car Bridge stands on five concrete pilings. These are what’s left of a former bridge. That bridge once held tracks for the Pacific Red Car Trolley. People fondly remember these trolleys. To honor this history the bridge has a red-painted steel stripe. It runs down each side.
This $4 million bridge opened in January 2021. Its span is 400 feet. This makes it one of the longer bridges across the Los Angeles River. The Red Car Bridge project has been a long time coming. It provides access for Atwater Village and Silver Lake residents. All who enjoy the river benefit.
The need to strengthen the Glendale-Hyperion span spurred the Red Car Pedestrian Bridge. The new bridge gives pedestrians and cyclists passage. It is especially useful while the Glendale-Hyperion bridge is retrofitted.
The Red Car Bridge is part of a bridge-building boom along the Los Angeles River. None of these spans are for cars. Instead they are for pedestrians cyclists and equestrians. The Red Car Bridge reuses old train tracks. These tracks once served the Glendale-Burbank Line. The bridge ensures river accessibility. It is a testament to the city’s transit history. The Red Car Bridge is a symbol. It connects communities. It provides a safe path over the Los Angeles River.