In January the circa-1932 Sixth Street bridge that spans the Los Angeles River will be demolished to make way for a Michael Maltzan-designed bridge.

The office of local city Councilman Jose Huizar is organizing a going-away street party on Saturday, and you're invited (RSVP here).

Performances by Taboo from Black Eyed Peas (who will present a DJ set), War of “Low Rider” fame, Aloe Blacc, Graciela Beltran, DJ crew Subsuelo and more are scheduled.

There will be fireworks, food trucks, live mural painting, art displays and activities for the little ones, organizers say. It happens from 2 to 10 p.m. on the bridge. 

But what about that beautiful deco-era structure and its majestic spans that have graced so many movies? Huizar's office says it has “concrete cancer” that threatens its integrity.

In other words, as classic and beloved as it is, it could end up hurting someone, and it must come down.

You taxpayers are ponying up $423 million for a very cool-looking replacement that echoes its predecessor's spans while giving us a sleek, futuristic ride to the Eastside.

Huizar's office calls this “one of the largest public projects in the city.”

The old Sixth Street Bridge's demolition starts in January but will take some time. The new one is scheduled to be up and ready by the end of 2018. Public space below it will be accessible the following year, Huizar's folks say.

Credit: A Syn/Flickr

Credit: A Syn/Flickr

The councilman wants to make the project “a destination point that not only links Boyle Heights and the Arts District communities but a public space that includes a recreation area, soccer field and arts plaza below the bridge,” his office states.

“Huizar is also committed to ensuring that the bridge’s pedestrian space and bike lanes are as world-class as the newly designed bridge itself,” according to the statement.

“While we are building a world-class bridge for the future that will provide Angelenos a one-of-a-kind experience as a bridge and a destination point with active public space, we are all fond of our historic Sixth Street Bridge and want to give it the sendoff it deserves,” Huizar said. “This family-friendly event will have something for everyone, and we want Angelenos from throughout the city to come and join us as we pay homage to Los Angeles’ history and the iconic Sixth Street Bridge, one of our most beloved and treasured landmarks for 83 years.”

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