Asm. Gatto: Don’t Turn Hyperion Bridge Into Highway

As reported on Tuesday, Assemblyman Mike Gatto is now the first elected official to publicly oppose the currently proposed redesign of the Hyperion Viaduct over the Los Angeles River. Critics of the redesign argue that the proposed widening the lanes and adding crash buffers will only encourage more unsafe driving both on the bridge and through the connecting communities.

Gatto agrees. In a letter written to the Department of Environmental Planning, which is overseeing the environmental review of the $50 million project, Gatto writes:

I am concerned that the current project proposal would create something freeway-like, in an area where such a structure is not needed, wanted, or safe. A freeway-like bridge would also encourage unsafe automobile speeds and would fail to create a multi-modal transit route, which locals want and deserve.

Written comments are due by October 11, but a public hearing has been promised (but not scheduled.) For more on how to comment, and a draft letter, visit the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition’s action alert.

A full copy of Gatto’s letter can be found after the jump.

10.09.2013 Hyperion Bridge Bike Lane Support Letter