State Awards Pasadena Millions for North Lake Avenue Pedestrian Safety Project

Crossing North Lake Avenue on foot is going to be a lot safer in the near future.

The Pasadena Department of Transportation has been awarded a $9.9 million grant from the State of California for the North Lake Avenue Pedestrian and Safety Enhancement Project, according to Laura Rubio-Cornejo, the department’s director.

The project aims to improve pedestrian and traffic safety along a 0.6-mile corridor linking downtown Pasadena and the Gold Line Lake Station with neighborhoods north of the freeway and Altadena.

The project was designed in response to community needs for improved safety and crossing conditions on North Lake Avenue, as identified during the community engagement process for the Lake Avenue Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Study and the City of Pasadena Pedestrian Plan.

Improvements will include shortening pedestrian crossing distances with bulb-outs at key intersections, widening sidewalks between Maple Street and Villa Street, installing improved pedestrian lighting, adding leading pedestrian signals and high-visibility crosswalks, and improving access for people with disabilities by reorienting curb ramps to face sidewalks and installing high-contrast tactile warning strips.

City DOT officials said community outreach in the project area will resume once funding agreements have been executed.

The Final Plan may be read by clicking here.