What is a TOUCAN?

Angelenos have places to be and they get there by walking, riding the bus, biking, and driving. At LADOT, we are always thinking about how to design streets that allow all modes of travel to coexist safely while supporting the needs of people and communities. Intersections for example may seem like a simple meeting of two roads, but they come in all types of shapes, sizes, with various signs and signal types directing particular traffic patterns. One intersection signal design that you may have seen but not have known the name for is the TOUCAN.

TOUCAN stands for “Two Can Cross”, and it is a traffic signal that helps people on smaller streets to safely walk, bike, or scoot across larger, busier streets and discourages cut-through vehicle traffic by requiring the cars to turn off of the small street. This is ideal for residential streets that intersect major corridors by allowing bikers and walkers to cross safely while preventing the type of cut-through traffic that can be a nuisance or danger on the smaller street.

You can see examples of this design at intersections such as Rosewood & La Brea and at Missouri & Westwood. We are also in various phases of planning, design, or implementation of nearly a dozen more TOUCAN intersections throughout Los Angeles.

So while the exotic bird might not be so common in Los Angeles, you can still be on the lookout for TOUCANs in a neighborhood near you. They are just one of the many tools we use as we continue to shape a more accessible, efficient, and safe transportation network for our City.

LADOT Supports the 40th Running of the Los Angeles Marathon

Last Sunday, LADOT was proud to support the 40th running of the Los Angeles marathon. This exciting event brings together athletes from across the world as participants make their way from Dodger Stadium all the way to Brentwood. In preparation for the event, our Special Traffic Operations and Engineering teams worked tirelessly to plan and set-up road closures on and around the route. The day of the race, LADOT Traffic Engineers were posted at key locations to manage a safe flow of traffic.

World class events like the LA Marathon make Los Angeles a vibrant and exciting City to call home. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated!

Grace Yang, Transportation Planning Associate II

Grace Yang is a Transportation Associate II in the Development Permit Services Section of LADOT, where she reviews work site traffic control plans, geometric plans, and signal plans for private developments in Los Angeles. Her work ensures that new projects contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation network across the city.
Grace was drawn to transportation because of its direct impact on daily life. “A well-designed transportation system can make a city more connected, safe, and accessible,” she explains. She enjoys working on projects that improve pedestrian safety, expand transit options, and create more sustainable infrastructure.

One project she is proud of is the Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway, which will provide a safe and accessible connection over a busy roadway. “I’ve been involved in the review of traffic control plans, and it’s rewarding to contribute to an effort that prioritizes pedestrian safety,” she says. She looks forward to seeing the completed project and its positive impact on the community.

Grace also highlights LADOT’s commitment to transportation equity for women through programs like Safe Routes to School and bus stop enhancements. These initiatives focus on well-lit, accessible, and reliable transportation options, making travel safer and more comfortable for women who rely on walking and public transit.

She finds inspiration in Lillian Moller Gilbreth, a pioneer in engineering who used motion studies to improve workplace and home design. “At a time when engineering was largely a male-dominated field, she proved that women could innovate and lead,” Grace shares. Inspired by Gilbreth’s human-centered approach, she strives to make transportation safer and more accessible for all Angelenos.

Monique Alcala, Transportation Engineering Associate II
Monique Alcala is a Transportation Engineering Associate II in the Bike Path Engineering Group. She manages the day-to-day operations of the LA Riverway Bike Path expansion. Her work varies depending on the project phase, but her ultimate goal is to improve active transportation options across the city.

Her passion for transportation comes from her love of travel and exploring new neighborhoods. “Traveling is a luxury even within LA because of the city’s car-centric design, which can make it difficult for many to access different areas,” she explains. Recognizing how limited transportation options can impact low-income communities, she hopes her work on active and public transportation projects will help make LA’s neighborhoods more accessible for all.

One of Monique’s proudest career moments was contributing to Metro’s Purple Line Subway Extension Project – Section 3, a major addition to LA’s public transit network. “My role involved reviewing worksite traffic control and signal plans for the subway’s construction,” she says. While being one of the only women engineers in meetings was intimidating at times, she credits the support of her team for helping her grow as a designer. She looks forward to riding the completed subway, which will play a crucial role in the 2028 Olympics.

Monique also highlights LADOT’s Changing Lanes report as a key initiative for advancing transportation equity for women. “The study examined neighborhoods with higher proportions of BIPOC and employed women without cars, showing how a flawed transportation system can create more barriers for women. Its findings will help improve our projects and policies.”

She finds inspiration in her mother, who immigrated to Los Angeles from Mexico as a teenager in search of a better life. “She’s hardworking, smart, compassionate, and strong-willed—qualities I aspire to have as a woman in engineering. Her resilience and work ethic have shaped the way I approach my career.”

Linda Evans Named California “Woman of the Year” in 35th Senate District

LADOT Director of Field Services Linda Evans has been named as a State of California “Woman of the Year” by Senator Laura Richardson, representing the 35th Senate District. Linda has served Angelenos for four decades in her work at LADOT, where she leads a team of over 300 employees responsible for maintaining traffic signals and signs.

“Linda Evans is a true Woman of the Year, a Wonder Woman who builds strong work teams, creates safety in our neighborhoods, and stands up for everyone she meets,” said Senator Richardson. “There are over 19 million women In California, and Linda Evans is truly one in a million.”

Congratulations, Linda!

CicLAvia Rolls From Koreatown To Hollywood on Sunday, April 6

Join LADOT for a day of exploring Koreatown, Melrose Hill, East Hollywood, and Hollywood at CicLAvia–Koreatown Meets Hollywood on Sunday, April 6 from 9am until 4pm! Portions of Wilshire Blvd, Western Ave, Santa Monica Blvd, and Vine St will be closed to car traffic and opened up for attendees to enjoy in their favorite people-powered way. All ages and abilities are welcome. Learn more and view the route map at ciclavia.org. See you there!

LA Wildfire Recovery Resources

FEMA Extends Deadline for LA Wildfire Federal Aid

For those impacted by the LA fires, the deadline for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA Disaster Loans for Physical Damage have been extended to March 31. FEMA Individual Assistance can help individuals with temporary housing, home repairs, and personal property losses. SBA Disaster Loans provide assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires.

The City remains committed to helping affected communities recover as quickly and safely as possible. Residents should visit emergency.lacity.gov to stay updated on available resources and support.