$12 Million in Street Improvements Coming Your Way, Eagle Rock

Street improvement projects in Eagle Rock and the Boyle Heights area were recently earmarked almost $18 million in state and other funds, City Councilman Jose Huizar announced today.

The funds will go toward “complete street” initiatives “that prioritize pedestrians and bicyclists as much as automobiles, while also helping drive foot traffic to our main corridors,” Huizar said.

“I am extremely happy about the nearly $18 million we’ve recently secured,” he said. “I look forward to pursuing other funds to bring even more improvements to Council District 14.”

Eagle Rock is getting about $12 million, including a $9.8 million grant from the California Transportation Commission for a number of upgrades along Colorado Boulevard:

-- pedestrian lighting between College View Avenue and Eagle Vista Avenue;

-- curb extensions at 21 sites, including Townsend, Argus and Maywood;

-- a flashing crosswalk at Eagle Rock Boulevard and Merton Avenue;

-- a new sidewalk next to College View Avenue;

-- street furniture; and

-- bicycle striping.

A $2 million grant from the state’s Active Transportation Program was awarded to the Eagle Rock area, and will pay for medial islands on the westside of Eagle Rock Boulevard, a pair of new traffic signals at La Roda Avenue and Hermosa Avenue, and bus stop lighting.

Boyle Heights is receiving $6 million, including $5 million in Active Transportation Program grants for sidewalk work, pedestrian lighting between Pico Gardens housing and Sixth Street Bridge East Park, and a new signal at Fourth and Clarence streets.

Whittier Boulevard also will get $1 million in redevelopment funds for sidewalk repairs, though more funding is being identified.

In addition to the funding announced today, Boyle Heights had already received $2.55 million last year to build new sidewalks and bicycle amenities along Mission Road, from the Sixth Street Bridge to Seventh Street, and a roundabout. These projects are set to begin construction early next year.

City News Service; Image: Shutterstock