Pacific Electric Railroad Bridge, Railway bridge in Torrance, California, US
The Pacific Electric Railroad Bridge crosses Torrance Boulevard at Bow Avenue with a distinctive double-track arch design and original rail remains still visible. The structure connects two levels and demonstrates the engineering approach needed to span a busy boulevard in early 20th-century urban development.
The structure was designed in 1913 by architect Irving Gill as part of the San Pedro via Gardena Line, an early interurban rail connection extending south through Los Angeles County. This line was among the first of its kind to link coastal industrial areas with inland communities.
The bridge displays early 20th-century modern architectural features and represents a key moment when Torrance began to develop as an industrial city. It stands as a tangible reminder of how rail infrastructure shaped local growth and commerce.
The location is easy to find along Torrance Boulevard and serves as a clear reference point when exploring the area on foot. Visit during daylight hours to see the structural details and original tracks clearly.
This bridge marks the only location in the entire Pacific Electric rail system where tracks crossed over themselves to reach a steel mill positioned on higher ground. This unusual engineering solution makes it a rare example of how railways adapted to industrial geography.
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