LA River Bike Path Will Reach Completion in 2031

Metro plans to close an eight-mile gap in the trail well after the 2028 Olympic games conclude.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Olympics

Isometric editorial illustration of a concrete bike path along a river, representing urban infrastructure planning. — Los Angeles Metro officials confirmed the continuous 32-mile LA River bike path project is now scheduled for completion by 2031. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should city leaders prioritize finishing bike infrastructure in time for major local sporting events?

Metro intends to finish a continuous 32-mile bike path spanning from Griffith Park to Long Beach by 2031. The project aims to resolve an existing eight-mile gap in downtown Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Bicycle advocates pushed for the path to be completed before the 2028 Olympics to help alleviate local traffic congestion. However, officials indicated the current timeline will miss that window.

The project carries a total budget of $430 million to eliminate an eight-mile gap in the existing infrastructure. Upon completion, the trail will form a 32-mile route from Griffith Park to Long Beach.

The players

Karen Bass

Karen Bass is the Mayor of Los Angeles who stated that the bike path project will likely not be finished before the 2028 Olympics.

Metro

Metro is the regional transportation agency responsible for planning and overseeing the development of the LA River bike path.

The details

Voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2016 to fund the construction of this path. Mayor Karen Bass confirmed that the project is unlikely to be finished in time for the 2028 Olympics.

Voters approved a sales tax for the path in 2016.
The 2028 Olympics will take place in Los Angeles.
The project is currently scheduled for completion in 2031.

Season Trajectory

The construction timeline reflects the long-term infrastructure planning tied to the 2016 Los Angeles County Measure M sales tax. This project follows the funding patterns set by that voter-approved measure.

Commuters and residents will continue to navigate the eight-mile gap in the downtown area for several years beyond the 2028 games. Local traffic will not see the mitigation benefits of the completed path during the upcoming Olympic events.

The takeaway

The project serves as a reminder that major public works often operate on timelines independent of high-profile sporting events. Residents should plan for current transit conditions through at least 2031.