In late breaking news on Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers released a statement stating that work to clear the LA River Bike Path will start in early May.

LOS ANGELES — The Corps will begin removal in early May of some of the temporary protective barriers that were placed along the most vulnerable reaches of the Los Angeles River. These barriers were placed as an interim risk reduction measure due to the reduced capacity in these sections from accumulated sediment and vegetation. Initial focus will be to strategically restore access for cyclists, equestrians and pedestrians. On the west bank of the river, all temporary protective barrier will be removed from the bike path from just north of Los Feliz Boulevard to just north of Hyperion Avenue. Access will be opened up on the east bank of the river at the equestrian crossing near Verdant Street, the pedestrian bridge at Sunnynook Drive, and at a point south of Dover Street.

There is no timetable for the path reopening, but this is obviously great news.

I can’t say how many emails I’ve received over the past few months as the frustration of having no access to the bike bath has impacted many cyclists.

This whole closure happened really quickly and the community had little time to react. Let’s hope the removal will happen more swiftly.

Also mentioned in the press release is that the Army Corps will reevaluate their practices so hopefully this debacle won’t happen again.

This is also great news for those getting ready for the LA River Ride on June 12th.

If you want to read the full text of the release, click here.