March 30, 2018 2:54 pm
Marina Del Rey is known for its shoreline of inlets and basins making for beautiful waterfront homes and businesses. However, for those biking the Marvin Braude Bike Trail never get to see the area. Due to an idea by avid cyclist and design principal at Abramson Teiger Architects, that may change.
Current Bike Trail Design
Currently, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs along the Pacific Ocean for 22-miles from the Will Rogers State Beach in the Pacific Palisades to Torrance County Beach in Torrance. All along the way, bicyclists, pedestrians, and those on skateboards take in the unbelievable views and have direct access to the most popular beaches in LA.
That is, until they reach Marina Del Rey. Here, they must head inland for about four miles due to all the basins. That’s where Abramson’s idea comes in.
Iconic Steel Bridge Over Marina del Rey
With the help of his firm, Abramson has created the plans for a beautiful steel bridge that would cross the mouth of Marina del Rey. This bridge would lead those riding the bicycle path directly across the harbor and into Ballona Creek.
The bridge would be approximately 1400 feet long and over 100 feet in the air so that boats had access to the harbor. Rather than a bridge with supportive columns, Abramson’s design has spiral ramps at each end with a pathway in between. The entire path would be encased in what he called a hollow straw of latticed steel shell.
What’s Next?
Right now, the bridge is just a conception by one man. There has been no specific interest by a government entity or a private developer. However, Abramson says that this is how all great things get started.
He created the renderings in order to start a conversation and pull together public support for the idea. Without a vision, he says there will never be anything new. Because it would be eye-catching, Abramson feels confident it could be a gateway to the city.
Although the cost would be high, he feels the timing may be right. With the Summer Olympics coming to the area in 2028, projects like this one could easily come to fruition. Case in point, the following have already been committed to:
- New NFL stadium at Inglewood
- Ribbon of Light in place of the Sixth Street Viaduct
Why not an iconic bridge over Marina del Rey?
Categorised in: Revitalizing the Westside