After copper theft, it will cost L.A. $6.3 million to relight one bridge
Copper theft in Los Angeles is reaching ridiculous, near-catalytic-converter proportions. Internet connections go down, phone service goes out, and critical infrastructure goes dark.
After copper wire theft left the Sixth Street Bridge in darkness for years, the city of Los Angeles has hired a Pasadena-based engineering firm to restore the lighting, a move aimed at improving safety for Boyle Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods.
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According to officials, the total contract value with Tetra Tech is $5.3 million, which includes work on the Sixth Street Bridge as well as the Sixth Street PARC project, which encompasses 12 acres of recreational space underneath and adjacent to the bridge.
The PARC project will make way for sports fields, fitness equipment, event spaces and a performance stage. PARC’s grand opening is anticipated later this year.
Because the work for the PARC project and the bridge is connected, the Board of Engineers recommended using the existing PARC contract with Tetra Tech to ensure completion ahead of the 2028 Games, officials said.
The cost for the design work on the bridge alone is roughly $1 million.
The Sixth Street Bridge is a critical link between the eastside and Downtown Los Angeles. After a grand opening of the redesigned historic bridge, over seven miles of copper wire have been stolen from its lighting system, leaving the city bewildered and in the dark.
I wonder how long the lights will stay on?
if we had something like an effective FBI they'd be pursuing the resellers. the thieves are often small time, possibly even pathetic. consider instead who *they* are selling their small lots to which is reformed and resold by those who should be the primary targets of law enforcement.