LA Metro, the transportation system in Los Angeles County, CA has transformed a 5.5 mile (~8.8 km) long unused rail corridor into a cycling and pedestrian pathway. The new pathway will connect cyclists and pedestrians with transport services across the city. The project will cost $143 million USD and should be completed in 2024. Plans are already in place to extend the pathway in future.
Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Member said:
“This project perfectly encapsulates Metro’s vision and commitment to mobility that goes beyond buses and trains. By converting an abandoned and blighted railway into a world class bike and pedestrian path, we are providing significant quality of life and mobility improvements to some of Los Angeles’ most under-served neighborhoods — providing safe options for the student who bikes to school, or the family setting out for a walk,” said LA Mayor Eric Garcetti.
The corridor runs through an historically disadvantaged area, where 19% of households do not have access to a car, causing them to rely on public transit, biking, and walking to commute. Most of the path will be separated from other traffic to increase safety and will feature shade trees, lights, security cameras, street furniture, and wayfinding signage.
Metro Board Chair and Glendale City Council Member Ara Najarian said: “This marvelous active transportation project will improve multimodal connectivity, enhance access to key destinations and provide a safer travel path for our South L.A. pedestrians and bicyclists. I’m sure it will be a treasured recreational asset for many nearby neighborhoods and contribute to the community’s enjoyment.”