Metro is seeking public comment for the draft environmental impact report on a proposed eight-mile bike and walking path along the LA River between Elysian Valley and Maywood through downtown Los Angeles and Vernon, officials said Tuesday.
Earlier this month, the transit agency released the draft EIR and began a 47-day public comment period that will end on Feb. 2. Los Angeles County residents and stakeholders are being asked to submit verbal and written comments about the project.
The eight-mile segment is expected to serve Elysian Valley, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown, downtown LA, the Arts District, Boyle Heights, Vernon and Maywood. It’s part of the larger 32-mile LA River Path Project that aims to connect the San Fernando Valley with Long Beach.
“Projects like the LA River Path improve quality of life and provide mobility choices, foster connection and encourage more active lifestyles, all important goals as we look to build a transportation network worthy of a world-class city,” Metro Board Chair and Whittier Councilman Fernando Dutra said in a statement.
Previously, Metro anticipated completion of the eight-mile stretch in 2027, just in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but officials pushed that timeline back a couple years as they finalize the EIR.
The Los Angeles River Path Project is funded by Measure M, a 2016 voter-approved sales tax for transportation and infrastructure initiatives, as well as outside sources.
Initially, the eight-mile river path was projected to cost $365 million, though now it’s likely to be more than $1 billion due to an increase in construction costs, among other issues.
Capital cost estimates for the project are around $595 million for a 3.2-mile northern segment, $688 million for a five-mile southern segment, and approximately $1 billion to $1.2 billion for the full eight-mile segment, depending on the alternative options selected, according to Metro.
“When Measure M was passed in 2016, the level of engineering and design for this project was not significant and based on other portions of the existing LA River Bike Path with less physical constraints. After Metro took steps to further design the project and coordinate with other agencies, a more detailed and realistic project timeline was developed,” Metro said in a statement regarding the project.
“Since Metro does not own the majority of the right of way for this project, exceptional coordination with several agency stakeholders is required. Further coordination with these agency stakeholders is required to continue to advance the project, including determining who will operate and maintain the project,” Metro’s statement continued.
Alternative options for the project were informed by community and stakeholder input — with “access” as the top priority.
While early feasibility studies placed the path entirely along the LA River’s west bank and mostly at the bottom of the channel, all current alternatives now include segments that are either cut along the channel embankment or on both the west and east banks that are linked by new bike and pedestrian-only bridges, according to Metro.
Most communities that stand to benefit from the project are located on the east bank and would not be adequately served by a west-bank-only alignment, officials said.
Additionally, residents helped with the selection of access points and key destinations. The eight-mile river path’s width was increased to 16-20 feet from what was originally a 12-foot path after community members raised concerns about not having enough space for cyclists and pedestrians.
With limited available right-of-way along the riverbank, all alternatives incorporate elevated, incised and top-of-bank segments along the highly constrained corridor, according to Metro.
A bottom-of-the-channel alternative was considered but not carried further because it failed to meet key goals for safety, access, sustainability and efficient mobility.
Other concerns the draft EIR address include flood-related safety risks and closures, emergency access, length and grade of ramps and lighting and amenities.
Significant permitting and construction challenges also impacted design choices, as the path is expected to traverse private and public property.
During the EIR process, Metro is expected to identify an agency to construct, operate and maintain the river path before the project is approved and the design is advanced. The final EIR is expected to be released later in 2026 or in 2027, according to the transit agency.
Metro’s board of directors is expected give approval for the design, EIR, and the outside agency that will manage the project before any construction can begin. Metro will conduct a series of public hearings on the project’s draft EIR on the following days:
— Jan. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St.;
— Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m., Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, 5800 King Ave.;
— Jan. 29, 6-8 p.m., a virtual meeting via Zoom, which can be joined at bit.ly/larp_deir, and a dial-in option: 833 584 0276, using webinar ID: 833 2236 2142; and
— Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-noon, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Senior High School, 1200 Plaza Del Sol E.
Live Spanish interpretation will be available at all public hearings. Meetings are also accessible to individuals with disabilities. Other Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations and interpretation are available by calling 213-922-4710 at least 72 hours in advance.