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    • About Us
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  • Knowledge Hub
  • LA Transportation History
    • Past Visions: 1920s
    • Past Visions: 1930s
    • Past Visions: 1940s
    • Historic Traffic Plans: 1911-1957
    • Archive
      • Online Archive of California
      • Search Digitized Material
        • Search California Highways and Public Works Magazine: 1924-1967
        • Search CEO Briefs & Every Voice Counts 2005-present
        • Search Electric Railway Journal 1884-1931
        • Search Employee News Magazines: 1918-2009
        • Search Metro Library’s Digitized Documents
        • Search Metro’s Board Records 1993-2015 and its Predecessors Meeting Minutes 1951-1993
        • Search Metro Board Correspondence/Board Box 1993-present
        • Search Los Angeles Metro Press Releases 1993 – Present
  • Resources to Know
    • Start Here: An Approach to Transportation Research
    • Transportation Data and Related Resources
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    • Timeline of Los Angeles Transit
    • Search the Library Catalog
Banner image for This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

June 17: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

  • Written by Kenn Bicknell

1957: Groundbreaking ceremonies are held for the construction of the Santa Monica Freeway.

  • Groundbreaking on Santa Monica Freeway in paved channel of Los Angeles River June 17. On bulldozer, left to right: Los Angeles City Councilman Rasom Callicott, State Highway Commissioner Robert E. McClure, State Highway Commissioner Chester H. Warlow, Los Angeles City Councilman Harold Henry.

The first work is done in a paved channel of the Los Angeles River.

  • Looking southeasterly showing start of construction work excavating for center pier in the Los Angeles River channel for Santa Monica Freeway bridge. In background is Sears, Roebuck building.

More information can be found in the July-August, 1957 issue of California Highways and Public Works.

  • Last Updated April 28, 2026

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