Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
CA State Assembly

Assemblymember Cristina Garcia Planning Legislation to Stop Freeway Expansion in Underserved Communities

The 710 Freeway at the 91 Freeway – photo via Metro presentation

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Times reported that State Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) is planning to introduce legislation to end freeway expansion in low-income communities already suffering from freeway harms. According to the Times, the bill would "prohibit the state from funding or permitting highway projects in areas with high rates of pollution and poverty and where residents have suffered negative health effects from living near freeways." Per the Times, "Garcia stated state leaders should consider the significant evidence of racial and health disparities caused by highway construction as well as research showing that freeway widenings frequently fail to resolve traffic congestion because they induce more car trips."

Garcia cited recent L.A. Times research on the continued harm of freeway widening as an impetus for the proposed legislation.

L.A. Metro and Caltrans are planning several major freeway expansions in Garcia's predominantly low-income and Latino southeast Los Angeles County district:

Garcia has worked to make her district safer for walking, including securing a $5 million budget set-aside for a new pedestrian walkway at Florence Avenue to help Bell Gardens residents get across the 710 Freeway to access improvements planned along the lower Los Angeles River.

Garcia plans to introduce the new freeway bill in January 2022. Read the Times coverage, which puts the legislation in the context of past and ongoing freeway widening harms, as well as recent changes at the federal and state levels.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

Tired of seeing ICE in the headlines? So am I.

August 7, 2025

This Company Wants to Help More Americans Buy Used E-Bikes

Trade wars in Washington are having a chilling effect on the U.S. bike market. Could selling more used cycles fill the gap?

August 6, 2025

Streetsbloggers and Yolobus Step Up to Provide Clear Ways to Take Transit to See the A’s

Looking to see the A's in West Sacramento? This article has the links and maps to plan your trip on bus or rail.

August 6, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines

Even though LA voters passed a law requiring the city to paint crosswalks, bike lanes, and bus lanes, residents still have to paint their own crosswalks.

August 6, 2025

Northern Disclosure: Canada’s Road Laws Could Help Save U.S. Lives

The U.S. would be safer if we implemented some of Canada's most common roadway laws — but the politics are complicated.

August 5, 2025
See all posts