In an effort to improve access and mobility in Northeast Los Angeles, construction is now underway for three pedestrian bridges across the L.A. River.  They could soon be joined by a fourth crossing in the City of Glendale.

On August 27, the Glendale City Council is expected to vote to appropriate $18.75 million in Proposition 68 funds for the construction of the third phase of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk - a pedestrian bridge which would connect the city to Griffith Park.

The preferred concept, called the Garden River Bridge, would consist of a two-span curvilinear structure featuring two canopied seating areas with views of the waterway below.  The 320-foot bridge would feature lighting for the purposes of wayfinding and marking the structure when viewed from afar.  The proposed canopies could be adorned with planting or solar panels.

Moving forward, the City of Glendale is expected to coordinate with other River stakeholders - including the Army Corp of Engineers, Los Angeles County, and the City of Los Angeles - to facilitate plans for the bridge.  That process is expected to begin in late 2019, with environmental clearances anticipated by May 2021.  Construction of the bridge itself is scheduled to occur between August 2025 and February 2028.

The bridge, in addition to the Proposition 68 money, will be funded by approximately $12 million in Measure R and Proposition C returns.

The first two phases of the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk features approximately one mile of bicycle and pedestrian trails, flanked by parks, rest areas, equestrian facilities, and river overlooks.

The Garden River Bridge is locating farther north than the three crossings now being built by the City of Los Angeles, which are located in Atwater Village, Glassell Park, and adjacent to the Glendale-Hyperion bridge complex.  Los Angeles is building an even larger multi-modal crossing over the river to replace the iconic Sixth Street Viaduct.