URGENT UPDATE: Metro has just announced a call for public feedback on a proposed eight-mile bike and walking path along the LA River, stretching from Elysian Valley to Maywood, including key areas like downtown Los Angeles and Vernon. The transit agency is inviting comments on the draft environmental impact report (EIR) with a 47-day public comment period ending on February 2, 2024.
This proposed path is set to significantly enhance mobility and quality of life for residents in several neighborhoods, including Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown, and the Arts District. Metro Board Chair Fernando Dutra emphasized the importance of such projects, stating they “improve quality of life and provide mobility choices.”
Originally, completion of this segment was anticipated for 2027 to coincide with the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, due to delays in finalizing the EIR, that timeline has now been pushed back, with costs ballooning from an initial estimate of $365 million to potentially over $1 billion due to rising construction expenses.
Metro has outlined that the capital cost estimates include approximately $595 million for a 3.2-mile northern segment and $688 million for a five-mile southern segment. The full eight-mile project will be determined by selected alternatives, as community input has shaped access points and key destinations along the route.
Officials have reported that the draft EIR addresses critical safety concerns, including flood-related risks, emergency access, and the overall design impact on local communities. A significant focus has been placed on ensuring adequate space for both cyclists and pedestrians, leading to an increase in the path’s width from 12 feet to 16-20 feet.
As part of the public engagement process, Metro is hosting a series of hearings to gather community insights. Dates and locations for these meetings are as follows:
- January 21, 2024 – Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St., 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- January 27, 2024 – Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, 5800 King Ave., 6-8 p.m.
- January 29, 2024 – Virtual meeting via Zoom, 6-8 p.m. (Join at https://bit.ly/larp_deir, Dial-in: 833 584 0276, Webinar ID: 833 2236 2142)
- January 31, 2024 – Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Senior High School, 1200 Plaza Del Sol E., 10 a.m.-noon.
All public hearings will provide live Spanish interpretation and are accessible for individuals with disabilities. Community engagement is crucial, as residents have helped shape the project’s design to ensure that it benefits the neighborhoods that stand to gain the most.
As Metro continues to refine the project, officials are expected to finalize which agency will oversee construction, operation, and maintenance before moving forward. The final EIR is anticipated to be published later in 2026 or early 2027, paving the way for a transformative addition to Los Angeles’s transportation network.
Residents are encouraged to make their voices heard by submitting comments before the February 2 deadline. This is a pivotal moment for the future of community mobility in Los Angeles.
