LA breaks ground on community-focused project

Los Angeles has broken ground on its $152m Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project in Wilmington.

It will provide pedestrian and bicycle access to the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade and transform 12 acres of former industrial land into community-centred spaces for residents.

Creating green space and recreational opportunities

Port and City Officials worked closely with residents to design the community-focused project that will create unprecedented public access to the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade via a new signature 380-foot-long bridge that will also connect to a new open space public recreation area – the Avalon Promenade Gateway – also being built as part of the project.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on this transformational project that will create more green space and recreational opportunities for Wilmington residents and visitors alike,” said mayor Karen Bass. “By transforming 12 acres of former industrial land, this project is one of the many ways we are working to revitalise, reimagine, and build connections in communities across the city.

“I want to thank Governor Newsom, council member McOsker, the LA Board of Harbour Commissioners, and the Port for moving this historic investment forward that will benefit residents and local businesses for generations to come.”

“By transforming 12 acres of former industrial land, this project is one of the many ways we are working to revitalise, reimagine, and build connections in communities across the city”

The open space will feature a landscaped entry plaza with an iconic 40-foot-tall architectural sundial, a historic walk and overlook, an open terrace seating area, pedestrian pathways, community gathering areas, two parking lots and public restrooms. The project also involves vacating a portion of Avalon Boulevard and A Street, street improvements, utility improvements, grading, paving, striping, lighting, and landscaping.

“The Avalon Pedestrian Bridge represents another major step forward for Wilmington and the continued transformation of our waterfront,” said Los Angeles City Council member Tim McOsker, whose 15th District includes the Port and Wilmington.