LA is getting ready for a safer and more pedestrian-friendly commute on Western Ave. Thanks to Councilmember Marqeece Dawson (District 8); LADOT; and various other organizations, a new redesign project is being planned to help eliminate accidents, clean up the streets and sidewalks, and even add a bike lane for cyclists to safely travel through. Dawson and his team have plans to also add curb extensions, bus bulbs, new bus shelters, new traffic signals, protected left-turn signals, curb ramps and pedestrian hybrid beacons, among other improvements.
These redesigns will be taking place on major streets like Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; Century Boulevard; Slauson Avenue; Florence Avenue; Manchester Avenue; 54th Street; 78th Street; and many more places. Dawson is hoping to have community input and thoughts on the redesign project.
The District 8 outreach team is knowledgeable about the project and more than happy to share their knowledge with the community. During a recent workshop, the “Vision Zero” team had several different tables set up around the park at the St. Andrews community center, each table representing a different part of the redesign project and its purpose. The poster boards explained what streets were getting what kind of upgrades and how the community would benefit from it. During the workshop, attendees were allowed to ask questions, make suggestions, and even complete interviews on how they felt about the project.
Grants, loans, and designs are still being approved, but the project is scheduled to begin in winter 2022. The wait may be well worth it for those living and driving in South LA.
Address questions or concerns or find more information about the project by visiting https://ladotlivablestreets.org/projects/western. Another workshop will be held on March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Brigid Catholic School, 5214 S. Western Ave.
