The bike path on Ballona Creek had some startled riders this morning, September 8, 2026; a tree had fallen into the path just east of the Duquesne ramp, taking a small section of railing with it. The intermittent rain of the past several days seems to have loosened enough of the roots to cause the tree to topple downhill.
According to Gary Wanslety, Maintenance Operations Manger at the Culver City Department of Public Works, they first heard about the problem just after 5 am. Crews were dispatched to clear the obstruction, and are currently at work.
“We expect to clear the [fallen] tree completely by tomorrow, at the latest, but the rest of the repairs will take more time.” The work on the destroyed section of railing will require “some welding and special equipment, and will have to be done from the base of the creek, rather than the bike path.”
Wanslety noted that “Gates will be closed; the path will not be available between Syd Kronenthal Park and the Duquesene ramp.” He expects the repairs to take the rest of the week, but is hoping to have the path open again by the weekend.
Public Works will share an updated timeline for reopening as soon as more information is available.
Riders should be aware of the obstruction, and plan an alternate route.
Judith Martin-Straw
