Burbank Western Channel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Burbank Western Channel
The Burbank Western Channel at Magnolia Blvd.
Country	United States
Physical characteristics
Main source	Sun Valley, California
River mouth	Los Angeles River, California
Length	6.3 mi (10.1 km)

The Burbank Western Channel is a waterway in Los Angeles County, California. It is also known as the Burbank Western Wash. This channel is about 6.3-mile-long (10.1 km). It flows into the Los Angeles River.

This channel starts in Sun Valley, California. It is formed where two smaller waterways meet. These are the Hansen Heights Channel and the La Tuna Canyon Lateral. The channel runs next to Interstate 5 for most of its path. It is completely made of concrete. This helps control floods. The channel travels through downtown Burbank. It also goes through the Riverside Rancho area of Glendale. Finally, it joins the Los Angeles River near the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

Keeping the Channel Clean

The Burbank Western Channel is an important part of the local environment. It helps manage water flow. Because of this, it's important to keep it clean. In 1991, there were concerns about pollution in the channel. The EPA worked with the city of Burbank. They wanted to make sure companies followed rules about what they could put into the water.

Common Pollutants in the Channel

Some things found in the channel that can cause problems include:

• Algae (a type of plant growth)
• Ammonia (a chemical)
• Cadmium (a metal)
• Bad smells
• Unnatural scum or foam
• Trash

These pollutants can harm the environment. They can also affect the plants and animals that live near the channel.

Channel Repairs and Improvements

The channel needs to be kept in good condition. In 2009, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned repairs. They set aside $700,000 for this work. The money came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The repairs were needed to fix a part of the channel wall. This part was at risk of breaking. Keeping the walls strong helps prevent floods.

Bikeway Along the Channel

In October 2009, Burbank made a plan for a new bicycle path. This path is called the San Fernando Bikeway. It is 12 miles long. It runs along San Fernando Boulevard. The path goes from Sylmar to Burbank. A part of this bikeway runs right next to the Burbank Western Channel. This section connects to the Downtown Burbank Metrolink Station. This makes it easier for people to bike and use public transport.

Bridges and Waterways Connected to the Channel

Many roads and bridges cross over the Burbank Western Channel. These crossings help people and vehicles get around. The channel also has smaller waterways that flow into it. These are called tributaries.

Main Crossings of the Channel

Here are some of the main crossings over the channel, listed from where it meets the Los Angeles River to its start:

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center [Pedestrian/Equestrian Bridge]
• Riverside Drive (built in 1940)
• Victory Boulevard (built in 1940)
• West Alameda Avenue (built in 1949)
• West Elmwood Avenue [Pedestrian Bridge]
• South Lake Street/West Providencia Avenue (built in 1949)
• West Verdugo Avenue (built in 1949)
• Abandoned Railroad tracks
• West Olive Avenue (built in 1949)
• East Magnolia Boulevard (built in 1949)
• More Abandoned Railroad tracks
• North Buena Vista Street/Winona Avenue (built in 1958)
• Ramps from and to Interstate 5 (built in 1960)
• Cohasset Street (built in 1958)
• North Hollywood Way (built in 1962)
• Lanark Street (built in 1962)
• Glenoaks Boulevard (built in 1962)
• Nettleton Street (built in 1961)

Hansen Heights Channel Tributaries

The Hansen Heights Channel is one of the two waterways that form the Burbank Western Channel. Here are some roads that cross it:

• Vinedale Street
• Penrose Street
• La Tuna Canyon Road
• Tuxford Street
• Sunland Boulevard
• Pendleton Street
• Clybourn Avenue

La Tuna Canyon Lateral Tributaries

The La Tuna Canyon Lateral is the other waterway that forms the Burbank Western Channel. Here are some roads that cross it:

• Vinedale Street
• Jordan Lane
• Village Avenue
• Wildwood Avenue
• Martindale Avenue
• Morning Glow Way
• La Tuna Canyon Road