Pasadena’s Department of Transportation will install new traffic restrictions at a busy intersection.
The department plans to limit eastbound traffic on Arlington Drive at Pasadena Avenue to right turns only in the coming weeks. The change follows an analysis of collision history at the location.
Drivers traveling north from Arlington Drive between Orange Grove Boulevard and Pasadena Avenue should use an alternate route. The DoT recommends heading west on Arlington Drive and turning right onto Orange Grove Boulevard.
The intersection changes are part of broader safety efforts across the city. The DoT said similar restrictions will be implemented at Pasadena Avenue and State Street in coming months.
According to research data, intersection safety remains a priority for local officials. The Pasadena Avenue and State Street intersection recorded five collisions during a six-month period in 2023. That crash rate ranked it among the city’s most dangerous intersections.
Improper turning contributed to 10.6% of crashes at Pasadena’s high-collision intersections, the research showed. Only unsafe speed caused more accidents at 19.3%.
The city has escalated traffic safety initiatives following rising fatality rates. Pasadena recorded 9 fatal car accidents in 2021.
Federal funding supports the expanded safety programs. The city received $1.56 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program.
Under the program, transportation officials have developed a Local Roadway Safety Plan with a goal of zero traffic fatalities. The plan emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements throughout the city.
Recent procurement records show the city is buying traffic signs and materials for fiscal year 2026. The purchases include in-street pedestrian crosswalk signs for ongoing safety projects.
New state regulations also support local safety efforts. California’s Daylighting Law took effect January 1, prohibiting parking within 20 feet of intersections and crosswalks.
“The law aims at enhancing pedestrian safety at intersections by improving visibility specifically for pedestrians at crosswalks,” said Joaquin Siques, Pasadena Director of Transportation.
Violations of the daylighting law carry a $77.50 fine beginning March 1. The penalty includes a $65 base fine plus $12.50 in administrative fees.
The Pasadena intersection improvements follow similar projects in other cities. The DoT said Arlington County implemented comparable restrictions after identifying high crash rates at unsignalized intersections.
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