Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — After being lifted and set aside on North Sante Fe, this arch that graced the First Street viaduct has been positioned to its new spot on First street. The remaining neo-classical porticos, all from on the north side of the bridge, will be replaced as the bridge is widened for west bound traffic.

It's worth paying attention to the extra work done at the base, reproducing details that blend with the original design. The 1929 span is part of the great collection of Los Angeles River bridges by City of Los Angeles City Engineer Merrill Butler.

The widening project, which will expand the viaduct approximately 26 feet, has closed off Santa Fe Avenue to through traffic for several months. A recent report by the Bureau of Engineering put the project at 70% complete, with Santa Fe scheduled to reopen for traffic in June. The entire project won't be finished until April of 2011.