LA Metro has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the LA River Path project and opened a 47-day public comment period that runs through Feb. 2, 2026. The project would create a walking and bicycling path along the LA River between Elysian Valley and the City of Maywood, passing through downtown Los Angeles and Vernon.
The proposed path would close the longest remaining gap in the LA River trail system, creating a seamless 32-mile grade-separated corridor for safe walking and bicycling from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach. The project would directly serve communities including 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.
"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," said Fernando Dutra, Metro Board Chair and City of Whittier Council Member.
The project aims to transform the largely inaccessible LA River into a community resource while establishing new open space and expanding opportunities for safe active transportation. Approximately 76,000 Angelenos live within walking distance of the LA River, while about one million people live within biking distance. An estimated 17 percent of working-aged people who live within biking distance currently bike or take transit to work.
Capital cost estimates range from $595 million for a 3.2-mile northern segment to $688 million for a five-mile southern segment. A full 8-mile segment would cost approximately $1 billion to $1.2 billion, depending on the alternative selected.
The alternatives under study were shaped by extensive community input. Early feasibility concepts placed the path entirely along the LA River's west bank and mostly at the bottom of the channel. Current alternatives now include segments on both the west and east banks, linked by new bike and pedestrian-only bridges. Most equity-focused communities that would benefit from the project are located on the east bank.
Community feedback also influenced access points, key destinations and path width. In response to concerns that a 12-foot path would not safely accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians, the proposed width has been increased to 16 to 20 feet based on future demand forecasts.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said the agency is working to ensure taxpayers get the best possible project through proactive community outreach.
With limited available space along the riverbank, all alternatives incorporate elevated, incised and top-of-bank segments. A bottom-of-the-channel alternative was considered but rejected because it failed to meet key goals for safety, access, sustainability and efficient mobility.
Metro will hold public hearings during the comment period:
Wednesday, Jan. 21: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Heights Senior Center, 2323 Workman St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Tuesday, Jan. 27: 6 to 8 p.m. at Maywood Center for Enriched Studies, 5800 King Ave, Maywood, CA 90270
Thursday, Jan. 29: 6 to 8 p.m. virtual via Zoom at https://bit.ly/larp_deir (Dial-in: 833 548 0276, Webinar ID: 833 2236 2142)
Saturday, Jan. 31: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez Senior High School, 1200 Plaza Del Sol E, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Live Spanish interpretation will be available at all public hearings. ADA accommodations and interpretation are available by calling 213-922-4710 at least 72 hours in advance.
Comments can be submitted at metro.net/lariverpath or via email at lariverpath@metro.net with "LA River Path – DEIR" in the subject line. Comments can also be mailed to Metro, One Gateway Plaza, MS 99-22-3, Los Angeles, CA 90012, or submitted by phone at 213-922-4004.
The project is partially funded by Measure M, the Los Angeles County sales tax approved by voters in 2016. Additional information is available at https://www.metro.net/projects/lariverpath/.
Edited by SMDP Staff