The Gold Line uses reserved lanes along 1st St.
to cross the Los Angeles River. This Saturday morning in July
afforded a fine view of much of the L.A. skyline, with the US Bank
Tower, the city's tallest building, at 1018 feet, appearing straight
ahead. Although 1st St. goes through downtown, the
road bends ahead, and it winds up passing four blocks or so north of
the tower.
Light rail usurped the westbound street lanes. A new roadway
was being constructed at the time of this view, and the bridge
was limited to one-way eastbound traffic.
For the rail enthusiast there is fine stuff down below. The
former Santa Fe runs along the west side of the river, and carries
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner trains to and from San Diego. The
former Southern Pacific runs along the east side. Metrolink uses
tracks on both sides in its commuter network. And
the yards and shops for the LA Metro subway system are also below, on the west
side. This is the only area in the city where the subway's
trains can be seen outdoors.
The Pico/Aliso Gold Line station is located just a bit to the
east after the bridge returns along 1st St. to ground level.
|
