Los Angeles streets face a worsening condition unless the city changes its maintenance approach, according to a report by transportation advocacy group Streets For All.
Published in late April, the report warns that without significant overhaul, repairing the streets will become increasingly expensive. Josh Vredevoogd, head of creative and research for Streets For All, stated, “We’re looking towards a dire future for the streets of Los Angeles if we continue on the status quo.”
The report highlights underinvestment, small-scale treatments, and delays in complying with federal accessibility laws as key issues. One proposed solution is to amend the city’s charter to mandate a five-year infrastructure plan. This idea aligns with local leaders’ recent discussions.
The report also notes that the city halted resurfacing last year, a decision that has since been partially reversed. However, the Bureau of Street Services estimates only 60 lane miles will be resurfaced this fiscal year, down from over 300 miles previously. The high cost of installing curb ramps, estimated at $50,000 each, is a significant factor, as federal guidelines require these ramps to be ADA-compliant before road resurfacing.
Large asphalt repairs have been prioritized instead, which are considered less effective and more costly in the long term. Streets For All estimates that failing to meet curb ramp standards could cost Los Angeles $4 billion to address its backlog of 80,000 ramps.
Mayor Karen Bass recently released a Capital Infrastructure Program focused on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While this plan is a step forward, it lacks a long-term infrastructure strategy. The Charter Reform Committee has recommended codifying a five-year Capital Infrastructure Program in the city charter, which could become a regular part of planning and budgeting.
Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Katy Yaroslavsky have called for an analysis of curb ramp construction. The city aims to install 300 curb ramps by the end of the current fiscal year. Meanwhile, the Streets For All report underscores the need for comprehensive infrastructure planning to prevent further deterioration of Los Angeles streets.
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