Enhancing Access and Safety in the Pico Neighborhood
December 2, 2021 2:40 PM
by Jack Moreau
The Pico Neighborhood is steeped in history and beloved local institutions. Over the next year, streets within the neighborhood are the focus of our ongoing transportation safety improvement projects. Each project was designed to improve your ability to safely visit your favorite destinations without the use of a personal vehicle. Whether you are out for your daily walk, biking to school at Edison, or meeting friends for tacos, everyone deserves the opportunity to safely walk and bike through their neighborhood to reach their destination.
Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
Pico Boulevard is a wide, fast street, which makes crossing on foot challenging. Crossing enhancements at five intersections near Santa Monica College will add new accessible pedestrian ramps, curb extensions, signal improvements, and more. Construction is scheduled to begin this winter, wrapping up by Summer 2022.
More opportunities to engage in the street design are also coming your way. Stay tuned for meetings about safety upgrades to east Pico Boulevard.
Protected Bicycle Lane Connections
When it’s too far to walk, biking is the next best thing. Major upgrades are coming to 17th and Stewart Streets including protected bike lanes, pedestrian lighting, and intersection enhancements. These facilities will create connections from Pico Boulevard to other bicycle facilities including Broadway, Michigan Avenue Neighborhood Greenway, and Exposition Bike Path. Building safe bicycle facilities is critical to give residents without vehicles access to destinations like Santa Monica College Center for Media Design, Edison Language Academy, Metro Light Rail Stations, parks, childcare, job centers, and more.
Construction of improvements on 17th Street began in October 2021 and construction on Stewart Street is scheduled for Winter 2023.
Safe Routes to School
Proposed infrastructure improvements for Edison Language Academy will enhance the safety and comfort of routes to and from school. Collaboration between SMMUSD, school staff, parents, caregivers, and city engineers have resulted in new recommendations for street redesign and safety treatments. Construction is scheduled to begin in Winter 2023.
To learn more about transportation safety enhancements, visit santamonica.gov/MobilityProjects.
Authored By
Jack Moreau
Transportation Management Specialist