City officials broke ground Friday on a project to greenify a section of East 6th Street in Boyle Heights — a makeover that will bring temporary street closures to the area.
The East 6th Street Green Corridor Project, led by the Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASE) Department, will bring trees, drought-tolerant landscaping, bioswales and curb bump-outs at intersections along East 6th Street between South St. Louis and South Matthews streets.
What can I expect as construction begins?
Construction is set to begin with a projected completion date of spring 2026. According to a project spokesperson, the city is working with nearby schools along the corridor to minimize traffic congestion and prioritize pedestrian safety during construction hours.
Here’s what to expect:
- Construction crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Trucks, heavy machinery and equipment will be active on site.
- Excavation and shoring will be done to build storm drain infrastructure.
- No construction work will be done 30 minutes before and after the start and end of school hours during the academic year to protect student safety.
- Work adjacent to schools is scheduled for summer break.
- Intermittent closures of streets, lanes and driveways along East 6th Street, South St. Louis and South Soto Street from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
- A contractor will manage traffic control to maintain safety.
- Temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted in advance — vehicles may be towed if parked in restricted zones during construction hours.
What will the project bring?
- Curb extensions to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
- Biofiltration planters to capture, treat and filtrate contaminated stormwater runoff.
- Drought-tolerant landscaping and visual improvements to encourage more visitors to the area.
- Trees to reduce the urban “heat island” effect, which is caused by concrete and asphalt surfaces trapping heat in areas that lack green space.
How is the project being funded?
The East 6th Street Green Corridor Project is funded through the Los Angeles County Safe Clean Water Program, which supports stormwater infrastructure, research and education while collaborating with community organizations, individuals and government bodies to utilize city resources.
The program was established in 2018 with the passing of Measure W, a parcel tax generating approximately $280 million annually for projects improving water quality and stormwater management.
This is terrific news, trees can increase property values and soften a neighborhood. Let’s hope that the city plants more mature trees, not the small and thin trees they are known for. Those thin trees tend to die too soon.