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

SGV Connect 136: Here Comes the Olympics

What to the Olympics hold for the San Gabriel Valley in 2028? Damien talks to Alissa Walker, co-host of the LA Pod and editor of the Torched Newsletter.

May 29, 2025

Streets for All and KidSafe SF Merge

Streets For All is merging with KidSafe SF to expand the reach of both organizations, accelerate progress on reducing traffic deaths, and increase sustainable transportation options for all Californians

May 29, 2025

AIDS/LifeCycle Kicks Off Its Last Ride This Sunday

After 31 years, one of California's most iconic fundraisers and experiences will come to an end.

May 29, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

Cameras, cameras, everywhere!

May 29, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Bike Guides to Build Your City

Bill Schultheiss on AASHTO and NACTO bike lane design guides, the importance of history, political will and the stress of being an expert witness in court.

May 29, 2025

Duffy Tells Congress He’s Not Delaying DOT Projects — As He Delays DOT Projects

Thousands of federal transportation grants remain in limbo as the Trump administration cuts staff and cracks down on DEI, bike lanes and environmental rules.

May 28, 2025
See all posts