The Long Beach Department of Public Works has been awarded a $4.5 million grant from the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to improve traffic safety citywide throughout Long Beach.
“Traffic safety continues to be a priority in Long Beach,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This grant funding allows the City to fund important traffic projects that will make Long Beach safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.”
The City was awarded the money for three projects submitted by the Department of Public Works Traffic Engineering Division in August 2016. All the improvements are located where residents have requested additional pedestrian crossing assistance but a traffic signal isn’t warranted, according to officials.
“By awarding this grant, Caltrans recognizes all the work the City is doing to improve traffic safety and mobility throughout Long Beach,” said Craig Beck, director of Public Works.
The improvements being funded through the HSIP grant are:
· Installing medians, improving traffic signal equipment and enhancing pedestrian refuge islands on Anaheim Street on various segments between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway
· Upgrading traffic-signal equipment to improve safety and reduce conflicts between vehicles turning left and traveling straight on Los Coyotes Diagonal, between Outer Traffic Circle and Carson Street
· Enhancing pedestrian crossings at 18 uncontrolled intersections citywide, including installation of high-visibility crosswalks with solar-powered flashing beacons and advance warning signs and markings
The City is expected to receive the HSIP grant funds in mid-2017. The crosswalk improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The additional improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
Source: City of LB
