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Frequently Asked QuestionsThe LA River Path project is a proposed eight-mile, multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path extension from Elysian Valley, through downtown Los Angeles and the City of Vernon.The project will close an existing eight-mile gap in the Los Angeles River Bike Path and Greenway Trail, providing the region with a seamless 32-mile bicycle and pedestrian route from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach. The new section of the path will directly serve communities in Elysian Valley, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown, downtown Los Angeles, the Arts District, the Industrial District, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles and the Cities of Vernon and Maywood. 1. Overview 1.1 Who is leading the project? Metro is leading the development of the LA River Path Project. Throughout the process, Metro has engaged communities along the LA River including Elysian Valley, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown, the Arts District, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Maywood and Vernon.Additionally, Metro is coordinating with the multiple local, state and federal government entities whose jurisdiction includes the LA River. 1.2 Why is the project needed? There is currently an eight-mile gap in the LA River active transportation network between Elysian Valley and the City of Vernon. For bike riders, this poses a safety risk as they must ride on surface streets and busy intersections to reconnect to the path. The LA River Path will create a safe and efficient active transportation travel option between the San Fernando Valley, Long Beach and the communities in between.  The project aims to accomplish the following goals:
The LA River Path Project is currently in the environmental review process. Metro anticipates releasing a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in early 2025. Upon release of the Draft EIR, Metro will host public hearings to present the Draft EIR and solicit public comments. Additionally, upon release of the Draft EIR, there will be a 60-day review period for the public to provide comments on the LA River Path. It is anticipated that the Final EIR will be released in 2026. 1.4 What is the environmental review process? Prior to construction and completion, a project undergoes studies to understand the benefits and the potential impacts it may have on the community. The environmental review process is a multi-step process that includes scoping, preparation of a study, review of the draft environmental document, selection of a locally preferred alternative and adopting a final environmental document. To learn more, visit metro.net/about/environmental-review. 1.5 What is the anticipated project cost, and how will the project be funded? The project is funded in part by Measure M, the transportation sales tax approved by 71 percent of Los Angeles County voters in 2016. Measure M identified $365 million (in 2015 dollars without escalation) for environmental clearance, design and construction of the project. 2. Project Alternatives, Design and Timeline 2.1 What are the proposed options for this project? There is a proposed project and two design options for the LA River Path Project shown and described below: Path Options Overview
Path Type Distribution
Path Type Distribution
Path Type Distribution
Access points are areas where users can enter and exit the LA River Path. The access points connect path users to the neighborhoods along the LA River as well as connecting them to job centers, schools, transit, parks and local businesses. Access points along the project may also offer amenities such as seating, wayfinding and landscaping. 2.3 Will the LA River Path project provide opportunities for public art? Art can deepen the connection with a space, cultivate pride in the community and improve the user experience along the LA River Path. The details of public art along the corridor will be determined later in the project design, in conjunction with the community and local artists. 2.4 Will the path have connectivity to the Arroyo Seco Bike Path? There will not be a direct connection, but that does not preclude future connections to the Arroyo Seco Bike Path. 3. Environmental 3.1 What types of environmental impacts are being evaluated? The types of environmental impacts being evaluated include a number of environmental resources, which includes noise, visual, transportation, hydrology, cultural resources, hazards, and hazardous material, and many other community impacts during and after the construction of the LA River Path. The Draft EIR will include a description of the project, and the project’s potential impacts on the environment. It will also inform decision-makers and the public on recommended mitigation measures. 3.2 Who will select the Preferred Alternative? The Metro Board of Directors will review staff recommendation and adopt a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). 4. Nearby Projects 4.1 Are there other Metro projects nearby? Other nearby projects that Metro is working on include the Arts District/6th Street Station, Link Union Station, Southeast Gateway Line (previously West Santa Ana Branch Corridor) and the I-710 Corridor Bike Path Project. 5. Public Involvement 5.1 How can local communities and the general public participate in this process? Metro is leading a stakeholder engagement program to ensure that surrounding communities are kept informed of the status of the LA River Path Project. This includes holding public meetings and workshops, presentations with local stakeholder organizations and participation at local community events throughout the study area. Metro recognizes the need for inclusion and the variety of stakeholders along the LA River. We are committed to equity, transparency, engaging the public and providing the platform for stakeholders to learn about the LA River Path Project and provide input throughout the process. Metro hosted Community Update Meetings in fall 2021 and fall 2022. We invite you to keep up to date on the project by visiting us online at https://www.metro.net/projects/lariverpath/. Materials and video from our past community meetings can be found here as well. Upon release of the Draft EIR, Metro will host another set of community meetings to provide an update and also solicit community feedback. 5.2 How can I stay involved? Metro welcomes your input on the LA River Path Project. Please share your thoughts and comments with us. Metro does not share your contact information with third parties. Project Information Line: 213.922.7001 Email: lariverpath@metro.net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
