LA River Community Connections Study
LA River Community Connections Study
Caltrans District 7 is leading the LA River Community Connections Study (“the Study”) to evaluate opportunities to improve connections to the LA River Trail for people walking and biking. The Study will identify four geographic focus areas, collecting input on each area from community members, local and regional agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups along the river.
Within the focus areas, the project team will evaluate existing gaps and barriers to accessing the LA River Trail (especially in Caltrans right-of-way), develop proposed design alternatives to address these challenges, and identify funding and implementation opportunities in coordination with partner agencies.
The LA River Community Connections Study is aligned with several partner-led projects along the LA River. This includes Los Angeles County’s LA River Master Plan, adopted in June 2022, which similarly seeks to increase access to the river and expand the benefits it provides to the many communities connected to it.
Overview
Why This Matters
The LA River Trail is a vital active transportation corridor that has the potential to connect communities, parks, schools, employment centers, and transit across Los Angeles County. Stretching along the LA River, the trail is envisioned as a continuous, safe, and accessible multi-use pathway for people walking, biking, and rolling. While the potential connectivity of this trail is great, significant gaps and barriers to access limit its ability to function as a seamless regional connection.
Los Angeles County’s updated LA River Master Plan recognizes the trail as a key element in revitalizing the LA River and improving mobility, access, and quality of life for the diverse communities along its length. Many neighborhoods adjacent to the river face physical barriers such as freeways, rail lines, and roadway crossings that restrict access to the trail and reduce connectivity between communities on either side of the river.
The LA River Community Connections Study supports the County’s vision by identifying opportunities to improve access to the LA River Trail and address safety and usability challenges. By evaluating existing conditions, coordinating with partner agencies, and identifying potential solutions and funding opportunities, the Study will help advance a more connected, equitable, and accessible trail system that better serves residents and visitors throughout the LA River corridor.
Project Map
Coming soon
FAQ
Who is leading the study?
- Caltrans District 7 is leading the study in coordination with partner agencies, including Los Angeles County, local jurisdictions, and organizations with existing projects along the LA River.
Why is partnership so important?
- Many access points to the river trail are not within Caltrans’ right-of-way and there are gaps in the trail that are not under Caltrans’ purview. As such, the Study will aim to connect with local agencies and organizations to identify opportunities to connect trail segments and provide improved access to and from the trail.
Who will benefit from the Study?
- The Study is intended to benefit residents, commuters, recreational users, and visitors by improving access to walking and biking facilities, enhancing connections between neighborhoods, and supporting healthier and more sustainable transportation options.
Will there be opportunities for public input?
- Yes. Community engagement is a key part of the Study, and feedback will be incredibly valuable throughout its development. Public input will help identify priorities, challenges, and opportunities to ensure the trail improvements reflect community needs.
Your Voice Matters!
Caltrans wants to hear from you! Your feedback will help us understand community priorities for making the LA River a more equitable and accessible trail.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to provide your feedback – including an online survey!
Caltrans makes every attempt to ensure our documents are accessible. Due to variances between assistive technologies, there may be portions of documents which are not accessible. Where documents cannot be made accessible, we are committed to providing alternative access to the content. Should you need additional assistance, please contact us at (916) 654-2852 or visit https://dot.ca.gov/request-ada-compliant-documents.