LOS ANGELES—California will invest more than $15 million into projects to improve transportation along the Los Angeles River, officials announced Sept. 29.
“The L.A. River is an iconic destination for people across this region—and these investments demonstrate the strength of our coalition taking action to help it realize its full potential,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said.
“I want to thank Assemblymember [Laura] Friedman for championing this piece of our historic waterway, which will provide Angelenos and visitors with better access to green spaces, as well as more places to walk and bike.”
The funding includes $10 million to complete the Glendale-Los Angeles Garden River pedestrian and bicycle bridge, which will create a connection between Glendale and Griffith Park’s bike paths.
The remaining $5 million will establish an integral undercrossing to create a path for active transportation users along the North Atwater East Bank of the river. Once that project is completed, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians will be able to access parks, equestrian facilities, neighborhoods, businesses, and creation areas.
“It’s hard to overstate the importance of investing in my district’s active transportation infrastructure,” Friedman said. “The 43rd is home to incredible community amenities such as Griffith Park, the LA River Bike Path, the Chandler Bike Path, and Descanso Gardens. However, many of our neighborhoods and business districts lack the access necessary to realize the true potential of these community assets.
“By connecting our district’s treasures and providing people an alternative way to get around, we’re providing a better way of life not just for our residents, but for the entire region. I’m so grateful for the partnerships that have formed over these efforts, and look forward to continuing to work with Los Angeles and Glendale to make the vision of this region a reality,” she added.
