Electric DASH Buses Arrive in Watts

I’m excited to share an important milestone for the Watts community and for Los Angeles as a whole. Starting this week, LADOT launched the first of ten electric DASH buses that will serve the Watts community. These zero emission buses, along with new AC chargers to support their operation, will deliver cleaner air, quieter streets, and meaningful progress toward the City’s sustainability goals.

The purchase of these vehicles and supporting infrastructure was made possible through a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant from the State of California’s Strategic Growth Council, and is the result of community partners, advocates, and agencies coming together with a shared vision as the Watts Rising Collaborative. The TCC program empowers neighborhoods to shape investments that meet their needs, and the transition to electric buses in Watts is a direct result of that collaborative effort and community-driven leadership.

As we look ahead, LADOT remains committed to building a transportation system that supports healthier neighborhoods, reduces emissions, and improves quality of life for all Angelenos. Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this to life. Your partnership is helping us move toward a cleaner, more connected future.

New Speed Humps in South LA

LADOT recently installed 10 new speed humps on Budlong Avenue between 64th Street and Florence Avenue as part of the South LA Stress-Free Connections Project, which aims to calm vehicular traffic, reduce the risk of collisions, and enhance safety for people walking and biking in South LA.

Earlier this year, LADOT installed 38 speed humps on Budlong Avenue and 51st Street as part of the project. The new speed humps brings that total to 48, with three more to be installed on Budlong Avenue between 60th Place and Gage Avenue.

South LA Stress-Free Connections is a key component of LADOT’s Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) pilot program. As part of the project, LADOT plans to install 3 Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs), 51 speed humps, and 26 bike boxes. The locations of the planned treatments were selected through a combination of community engagement efforts, including a bike audit and design lab, and analysis as part of LADOT’s Stress Free Connections planning process in 2019-2021.

LADOT Honors Outstanding Performers

The Several times a year, LADOT celebrates excellence among members of its staff by identifying Outstanding Performers. These are team members who exemplify LADOT values by performing their duties with diligence, professionalism, and distinction. Here are LADOT’s recent Outstanding Performers:

Alan Oswald - Transportation Engineering Associate II

Alan is a Transportation Engineering Associate II in the Metro Programs Division. In his ten years with LADOT, Alan has been crucial in the review and approval of temporary and restoration traffic plans for the construction of the ‘D’ or Purple Line Subway Extension, the ‘A’ or Blue Line Pedestrian and Safety Enhancement Project, the Hollywood Freeway Soundwall construction and other Metro's major capital transit and transportation projects.

A patient, detail-oriented engineer, Alan has mentored and trained many new LADOT engineers. His extensive experience has been invaluable in collaborations with Metro, contractors, elected officials, and other City departments.

Dale Cruz - Sign Shop Supervisor

Dale Cruz serves as the LADOT Sign Shop Supervisor, where he and his team support the City through the fabrication of Traffic Safety Signs, Ceremonial Signs, and Dedication Signs. His flexibility and dedication to fulfilling all requests—often under tight timelines and shifting priorities—is truly exceptional. Dale is one of the most adaptable employees in the department, consistently meeting even the most challenging requests from Council Offices with professionalism, creativity, and a smile.

Dale’s career spans over 40 years in the sign industry. Since transferring to LADOT in 2023, Dale has completely remodeled and upgraded the Sign Shop, enhancing employee workstations and modernizing operations. LADOT thanks Dale for his extensive experience, unwavering professionalism, and strong work ethic.

Kevin Hong - Transportation Engineering Associate IV

Kevin Hong is a Transportation Engineering Associate IV in the Metro Programs Division. Kevin brings exceptional hard work and dedication to his role,managing not only his own assigned projects with excellence, but also stepping in to support his teammates on other projects whenever needed. His willingness to go above and beyond, taking initiative and offering help without hesitation, has made a significant impact on his team.

Kevin promotes all of LADOT’s core values, bringing integrity and accountability to his work with Metro, its contractors, and its consultants. He is committed to upholding the safety standards of the Department and City.

City Announces Closure of Section of Pico Boulevard Through March 2028

The City of Los Angeles announced last week that as part of the $2.6 billion LA Convention Center Expansion and Modernization Project, Pico Boulevard will be closed between LA Live Way and Figueroa Street beginning Thursday, December 4, 2025. The closure will be in place until March 31, 2028.

The closure will be 24 hours, 7 days a week to allow for the construction of the LACC expansion structure over Pico Boulevard, which will connect the existing South and West Exhibit Halls.

Eastbound vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians will be detoured north onto LA Live Way, east on Olympic Blvd, and south on Figueroa St to continue on to Pico Blvd. Traveling westbound, vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians will be detoured south on Figueroa St, west on Venice Blvd, and north on Union Ave.

Metro Line 30 serving Pico Blvd will be detoured between Union Ave and Figueroa St. During the closure, buses will detour north and southbound on Union Ave, west and eastbound on Olympic Blvd, and north and southbound on Figueroa St. Visit Metro’s website for details of stops along the detour.

Please allow extra time if you plan to travel through the area and obey all Traffic Officer instructions.

LADOT Celebrates the Holiday Season

Last week, LADOT celebrated the festive season with our annual holiday party! The festivities began in the morning with the judging of the Holiday Bake-Off. A panel of judges tasted five delicious sweet treats baked by our talented LADOT staff, ranking each one on appearance, texture, flavor, and originality. Alexander Wikstrom’s tangy key lime pie bites received third place, Chris Rider’s sweet and spicy pumpkin layer cake came in second place, and Kezia Suwandhaptura’s creative matcha Christmas tree brownies took home the grand prize. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone who entered for sharing your talents with us!

The holiday celebration continued at the December Town Hall, where LADOT recognized recent service pin recipients. Thirty-eight staff members were honored for at least twenty-five years of service with the Department. LADOT would especially like to recognize Jasmin San Luis for an incredible forty-five years of service. The Town Hall also honored LADOT’s Outstanding Performers and recognized recent staff achievements in the Celebration Corner.

Following the Town Hall, a Holiday Reception took place featuring more sweet treats from Porto’s and photo ops under a festive balloon arch. Thanks to all who attended and made the event a memorable one!

Take Our Community Surveys

LADOT wants to hear from you! Share your feedback to help us prioritize safety and mobility improvements in your community.

Survey Help Develop LADOT Mobility Action Plan

Help Develop LADOT's Mobility Action Plan

The City of Los Angeles is developing its first Mobility Action Plan (MAP), which will guide how LA invests in streets, sidewalks, transit, biking, and walking for the next 20 years. Share your feedback about MAP by Wednesday, December 26.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Safety and Mobility Project

LADOT and Metro are planning safety and mobility improvements along segments of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 39th St, and Broadway Pl. We want to hear from you! Share your feedback on our plans to make MLK safer for all.

Ohio Avenue Safety and Mobility Project Survey

LADOT is planning a 1.3-mile two-way protected bikeway on Ohio Avenue between Westgate Avenue and Westwood Boulevard. Take the survey by Thursday, January 15.

Westwood Blvd Safety and Mobility Project Survey

The Westwood Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project aims to close critical gaps in the transportation network by providing safe connections to Westwood Village, UCLA, the Metro E Line, and the future Metro D Line extension. Share your feedback before Wednesday, December 31.

South Broadway Safety and Mobility Project

LADOT is planning safety improvements on South Broadway between Manchester Avenue and MLK Boulevard. Take the South Broadway project survey by Sunday, January 18.