Public Works completes LLA traffic studies

Alhambra – Lake Los Angeles – After several Lake Los Angeles residents expressed their concerns and frustrations over two specific areas where speed and exhibition of speed was dangerous and destructive to property and people, Public Works conducted an in-depth study to determine to define the nature of the issues and what could be engineered to solve the issues and prevent accidents. Public Works recently completed traffic studies at the locations in the Lake Los Angeles community:

1. 170th Street East and Avenue P – Traffic Control Devices

2. Coolwater Avenue between Ridgemist Street and 179th Street East – Speed Cushions and Highacres Avenue between 173rd Street East and 179th Street East – Speed Cushions

What follows is the report provided by Public Works to inform the community of what will be done and the approximate timeline for each.

1. Based on the traffic study at 170th Street East and Avenue P, Public Works is recommending a traffic signal be installed at this intersection. Since new traffic signals can take a significant amount of time to be funded, designed, and built, Public Works will be implementing multi-way stop control at the intersection in the interim. The multi-way stop control will include LED stop signs for all approaches and warning beacons on top of the stop ahead warning signs on the north and south approaches of 170th Street East. Public Works is currently working on programming the funding for the multi-way stop control with LED stop signs and warning beacons. We expect that the multi-way stop control with LED stop signs and warning beacons will be implemented sometime in early 2025.

2. Based on the traffic study on Coolwater Avenue between Ridgemist Street and 179th Street East, Public Works is recommending speed cushions on the subject roadway. An Opt Out letter was distributed to residents living on Coolwater Avenue to obtain community feedback. Based on the input received, Public Works will be moving forward with the next steps for implementation of the speed cushions. Public Works is currently working on programming the funding for the speed cushion project. We expect that the speed cushions will be implemented sometime in late 2024.

Based on the traffic study on Highacres Avenue between 173rd Street East and 179th Street East, Public Works is recommending speed cushions on the subject roadway. An Opt Out letter was distributed to residents living on Highacres Avenue to obtain community feedback. Based on the input received, Public Works will be moving forward with the next steps for implementation of the speed cushions. Public Works is currently working on programming the funding for the speed cushion project. We expect that the speed cushions will be implemented in late 2024.

The Opt Out letters both stated, “In response to requests received from the community, Public Works completed a traffic study to address speeding concerns on Coolwater Avenue between Ridgemist Street and 179th Street East in the unincorporated community of Lake Los Angeles. The traffic study included field observations, a review of the collision history on file with the California Highway Patrol, a review of existing signage, and an analysis of vehicular speeds and volumes on Coolwater Avenue.”, as an example.”

A Speed cushion is defined as a slightly raised driveway surface that is used to calm traffic. What is just as important as calming traffic, the gaps between the rumbled bump allow the emergency vehicles such as fire vehicles and ambulances to pass easily. Speed cushions can safely improve traffic safety without law enforcement, unlike other traffic speed control devices that require the presence of law enforcement. These rubber speed management devices can be easily placed and removed easily.

As a reference to those who wish to know more: All You Need to Know about Speed Cushions | Sino Concept

The concerns at 170th and P, the largest intersection in the community, will be addressed calmly and reasonably for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Families walking or riding bikes to the park will be safer but will still have to be aware of the traffic as at any other location. Truck traffic will be better regulated about the speed and the nature of the intersection. This intersection is where the northbound shared pathway starts. There are plans in place to extend the bike path southerly to East Avenue Q. This is a critically important intersection.

Please take note of the approximate implementation dates.

This is an example how the residents of Lake Los Angeles can work with County to accomplish goals through voices of reason, collaboration and cooperation.

By Shirley Harriman