LA Metro has celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 5.5-mile path that will connect cyclists and pedestrians with transport services across Los Angeles.
The construction work will transform an unused rail corridor in Inglewood and South Los Angeles to help improve accessibility in the historically disadvantaged area.
The project will cost 143 million USD and is expected to be complete in 2024.
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.
The path will be built atop the old tracks of a former freight line and will connect to LA Metro’s future K Line, the Metro J Line and the A Line.
This will improve transport access for communities in Hyde Park, Chesterfield Square, Harvard Park, Vermont-Slauson, South Park and Central-Alameda.
The latest census data shows that this corridor is home to LA County’s highest percentages of people who rely on transit, biking and walking to commute, as nearly 19 percent of households in the area do not have access to a car.
Metro Board Chair and Glendale City Council Member Ara Najarian said:This marvellous 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 neighbourhoods and contribute to the community’s enjoyment.
The path will provide significant safety benefits for cyclists and pedestrians in LA, as it will be mostly separated from other traffic.
Path amenities will include shade trees, lights, security cameras, street furniture and wayfinding signage.
Metro is also planning a second phase of the project that will extend the path to the Los Angeles River.
