June 8, 2017 Update

We are delighted to share the N. Atwater Bridge received unanimous approval from LA City Council members on May 26th to allocate the funds needed to move this project forward into construction. The next step will be adoption by the Board of Public Works, and then, executing a construction contract bid with the selected General Contractor.

None of this would have been possible without your letters of support, testimony, and phone calls to support the project. We sincerely thank all our supporters for their work on this project and the future of the LA River.

This past Monday, May 1st, the Arts Parks River Committee meeting was held at City Hall. The agenda included grant applications, commemorative signs, and lease agreements for the North Atwater Multimodal Bridge project. This bridge is a project we at River LA, in conjunction with Atwater community members, have been working on for a while now and the results of the committee meeting are encouraging. We are more committed than ever to advocate for this bridge and today, we invite you to join us.

The History of the Atwater Bridge

The desire for this bridge roots back to 1998, when Councilman John Ferraro filed a motion about the safety hazards existing just north of Los Feliz Boulevard and the possibility of an equestrian bridge as a solution. However, with only the initial funding to explore its possibility, the project was at a standstill.

Since then, this 300-foot-long bridge has been re-envisioned as a multi-modal bridge. Seen by many as an attempt to highlight the Los Angeles River as a communal space, it was redesigned for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. Philanthropist Morton La Kretz agreed to cover the initial costs of building the bridge. After twenty years, we now have the chance to make major progress towards the completion of this bridge.

- Rendering of the N. Atwater Bridge

Why Is the Atwater Bridge Important

There are a number of reasons this bridge is essential for a safer, healthier future for Los Angeles. These reasons include easier access to open space for communities and safer streets for pedestrians, which is a particular concern for Los Angeles. 2016 was Los Angeles’ first year under Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Vision Zero, which is ‘our city’s commitment to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2025.’ However, the LA Times recently reported the city is facing difficult realities when it comes to our street safety; last year saw a roughly 43% increase in traffic deaths on city streets.

The Atwater Bridge is one project aimed at creating safer space for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.

Where Are We Now

At Monday’s meeting, many community members from Atwater Village spoke in support of the bridge and shared why they know this bridge will be an asset for their community.

‘Both my son and I enjoy running along the river to Griffith Park and it’s frustrating and dangerous to get to Griffith Park by taking bridge for automobiles. We think having a safe river crossing makes sense for pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists and also helps better connect the river to Griffith Park.’ -Marian Lenz

‘I am the Executive Director of an Equine and Environmental Education Focused non-profit whose property backs up to the L.A. River. The bridge would expand our teaching area exponentially, as it will give our students the ability to observe and learn about the habitats of the native plants and animals in the protected park. It will give nearly six hundred children a year access to explore the nature of Griffith Park in our Environmental Science Classes and will also provide greater access to teaching trail riding to the students in our equestrian classes.’ - M. Jane Haven, PHD

‘The proposed multimodal bridge will provide safe passage across the river to all Angelenos by bike, foot, and horse without fear of injury that can happen when crossing within the river channel. This bridge will also supply verification to the general public that something is indeed happening down on the river – allowing citizens to interact with the Los Angeles River in ways that have been off limits for the last 60 years.’ - Jody Rath and Shannon McIntosh

The Arts Parks River Committee voted in favor of many of the recommendations made by the Bureau of Engineering Monday, but there’s still work to be done. We have an opportunity to make this 20-year journey culminate into a community reality. But we need help from our supporters! Sign up to learn more.