Currently known as the Colorado Street Bridge, the Arroyo Seco Bridge opened in 1913. Designed by Waddell & Harrington, which later became Hardesty & Hanover, the bridge is one of the firm’s most significant and early fixed bridge projects and is still standing more than 100 years after its completion. The 1,486-foot-long fixed bridge spans the Arroyo Seco, a 25-mile-long seasonal river and canyon, and has a maximum height of 150 feet. It was the tallest concrete bridge at its time and the first curvilinear. The bridge’s curved path was designed to provide each of its eleven arches the most solid footing.
Known for its Beaux-Arts style and historic lighting and railings, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 and is an ASCE Civil Engineering Landmark. The bridge provides picturesque views of the City of Pasadena and has been featured in several films and television shows.
Arroyo Seco Bridge profile is part of H&H’s on-going celebration of our heritage as we approach our 135th Anniversary.
