Residents report flooding of new Mines Avenue bike lane after light rain; council hears complaints and staff follow-up

Residents of Pico Rivera told the City Council on Jan. 28 that runoff has been collecting in the new Mines Avenue bike lane after even light rain, leaving water in front of homes and limiting residents’ ability to use garages and cross the street safely.

The complaints came during the meeting’s public‑comment period, when Victor Lopez said water “collects in front of our house” after the bike lane project and that standing water has made access to cars and safe walking with children difficult. Resident Steven Diaz said the lane “has been flooded” after a light rain and asked the council and staff for a contingency plan, testing results and a remedy for people who cannot use their garages or must cross flooded stretches with children or a person in a wheelchair.

Council members and staff responded during the regular agenda. Council member Laura said she inspected Mines Avenue after the rain and saw foam and runoff that she said appears to be moving into the drainage system; she also said a later post showing puddling appeared to dissipate within about 20 minutes. Council member Dr. Sanchez said the issue is being taken seriously and that he, the city manager, the finance director and the public‑works director have met to look for a solution and funding. Public works director Noe Negrete estimated that full roadway reconstruction typically costs about $2.5 million to $3 million per mile and noted that some streets have previously been assessed as needing full reconstruction.

Residents asked whether the bike lane was tested for drainage before installation and requested copies of any test results. Steven Diaz said he spoke with public‑works staff and that staff have photos of the post‑rain conditions; he also said parking constraints and alley rules complicate options such as moving vehicles to nearby alleys overnight. City staff did not present a written engineering test report at the meeting, and no formal council action was taken on the item; council members said staff would further investigate and work to identify funding and engineering options.

Clarifying details from the meeting: - A resident reported ponding resolved after about 20 minutes in a specific instance; the same resident asked for test results and an action plan (public comment). - Public works director estimated reconstruction at about $2.5–$3.0 million per mile (staff comment to council). - Staff said they have photographs of the storm response in neighborhood posts and that staff have been asked to follow up on testing and mitigation (public comment and staff statements).

The council did not vote on a project or appropriation during the meeting. Residents were told the city’s virtual City Hall app and the emergency contact lines can be used to submit photos and request a work order; council members said the city is balancing restricted grant funding and general fund availability when prioritizing street work. The council encouraged residents to continue reporting flooding through the city’s channels so staff can assign work IDs and prioritize repairs.