US 6 – Santa Clara River and Solamint Overhead

6US 6 Highway TourStop 16BOpen Tour Map

Santa Clarita Valley

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Santa Clara River Bridge (53-0423 R/L)
and
Solamint Overhead (53-0422 R/L)
Sierra Highway

This crossing has changed only slightly since this road was built. Before 1968, this road was still three lanes south of here. In 1968, it was widened to four lanes. In the mid-1990’s, Sierra Highway was restriped to six lanes through this area. As of 2019, both bridges are slated to be either replaced or heavily modified in the near future.

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The bridge on the left was built in 1938 and the one on the right was built in 1968.
1938 Santa Clara River Bridge. North view. These are the southbound lanes of Sierra Highway.
Southbound bridge (53-0423L), looking along the former northbound side.
Southbound bridge (53-0423L), looking along the former northbound side.
Side view of the 1938 bridge.
Side view of the 1938 bridge.
Bridge name and number still painted on the railing. Roadway behind the bridge is the Santa Clara River bike trail.
Bridge name and number still painted on the railing. Roadway behind the bridge is the Santa Clara River bike trail.
View of the bridge from the west from the river.
Between the 1939 (left) and 1968 (right) spans at river level.
Looking south across the bridges from the median.
1968 span from the south bank of the river.

Solamint OH

At the Solamint Overhead, the roadways “switched”. Northbound Sierra Highway retained the 1938 span and the 1968 bridge was used for southbound traffic. In the mid-2000’s, the 1938 span was replaced as it was damaged in the 1994 earthquake.

The arch design gives the bridge a bit of character.
The arch design gives the bridge a bit of character.
Side view, looking west.
Side view, looking west.
Detail of date stamp and railing. Sidewalk was added in 1968.
Detail of date stamp and railing. Sidewalk was added in 1968.
Solamint Overhead. Built in 1938. This bridge comprises the northbound lanes here and retains its concrete decking.
Solamint Overhead. Built in 1938. This bridge comprises the northbound lanes here and retains its concrete decking.
Closeup of railing and curbing of the Solamint OH. Note the continuous divots along curbing.
Closeup of railing and curbing of the Solamint OH. Note the continuous divots along curbing.

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