Pasadena's Colorado Street Bridge was dedicated on December 13, 1913, with over 3,000 residents in attendance. It was a marvel to behold, with its majestic light standards and graceful arches curving across the Arroyo Seco, a natural gorge 150 feet below. (Thank the Pasadena Board of Trade for promoting the project, raising funds to build it and finding a solution to the budget problems that meant the bridge could be built with funds available.)
Engineer John Alexander Lowe Waddell of Kansas City designed the bridge to connect Pasadena to Los Angeles, thus avoiding the treacherous descent into the Arroyo and ascent up the other side. The river flowing beneath the bridge made construction a most difficult task. We congratulate Bridge Party sponsor, and the firm that succeeded the original engineers for the bridge, HNTB on their 100th anniversary. Contractor John Drake Mercereau was credited with the bridge's final design. He suggested curving it across the Arroyo to take advantage of the firmest footing for the eleven great arches. This revolutionary concept met with considerable skepticism but resulted in one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
When completed, the Colorado Street Bridge was not only the first curvilinear bridge ever designed but also the tallest concrete bridge of its day. It is now a Civil Engineering Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge has been threatened numerous times in its 101-year history. In 1935, it was to be demolished to make way for an early freeway design, which was never completed. In 1951, the wrecking ball hovered again when plans for the Foothill Freeway became a reality. A public outcry saved the Bridge, and the new Freeway Bridge was built beside it.
Some significant changes were made to the bridge over the years, including simplifying the light standards and removing the beautiful balustrade, and adding a suicide barrier to deter jumpers.
Beginning in 1979, the bridge's need for repair was highlighted by the local historic preservation organization, Pasadena Heritage, which held a major event on the bridge every two years to focus attention on the need to restore the beloved landmark. Pasadena Heritage joined with the City of Pasadena and local neighborhood groups to fund an early structural study and the City of Pasadena began efforts to win Federal Highways bridge repair and replacement funding for the bridge.
Following the Loma Prieta earthquake, the Colorado Street Bridge was closed to traffic as a precaution. Design work for its rehabilitation and a relentless pursuit of funds continued, guided by the Public Works Department and DeLeuw Cather Co., the design engineers. Public Works officials joined preservationists and community groups in their commitment to preserving the unique design features of the bridge, including the walkway, curved seating bays, balustrades and light posts. Current standards for roadbed width and safety guardrails had to be incorporated into the design as well as seismic strengthening.
At long last, Federal Bridge Repair and Replacement funds were allocated for the bridge, but they were not enough to cover the bridge's intricate design elements. Local funds were committed, and the Public Works Department, Mayor and City Council went to the state and the county for support and back to Federal Highways for discretionary funds.
Throughout the struggle to save the bridge, Pasadena Heritage organized letter-writing campaigns, constant lobbying and publicity efforts. At last, a complete funding package was assembled, and Kiewit Pacific was awarded the construction contract. It brought the 24 million-dollar project in on time and on budget.
On December 13, 1993, the Colorado Street Bridge was dedicated anew and reopened to traffic. A proud Pasadena crowd turned out to walk, drive, bicycle, horseback ride, skate and push tots in strollers across the bridge. In 2013, on its 100th anniversary, the Bridge was named a California and then a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The celebration of its rehabilitation continues every other year with Pasadena Heritage's summer extravaganza on the beloved span.
We hope you join us this year in celebration of the historic Colorado Street Bridge! Don't miss out on what is sure to be one of Pasadena's biggest summer bashes.
Tickets are available in advance at www.pasadenaheritage.org/Bridgetickets for $16 adults/ $8 kids, $14 adults/ $6 kids member pricing. Day of prices are $18 adults/ $9 kids.
Take the Metro Gold Line and then take the free ARTS Bus to the Bridge! Show your Metro Tap Card to receive a free commemorative event poster, featuring artwork by artist Kenton Nelson, while supplies last.
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