LADOT And Metro Celebrate Priority Bus Lanes On LaBrea Avenue

Last week LADOT joined Mayor Karen Bass, Metro, Councilmember Soto-Martinez, and Councilmember Yaroslavsky in celebrating the completion of Phase 1 of the La Brea Avenue Bus Priority Lanes. The 2.8-mile segment running along La Brea Avenue from Sunset Boulevard to Olympic Boulevard will the approximately 12,000 daily riders who rely on Metro’s Route 212 a faster, more reliable bus service so they can get where they need to go quickly, safely, and conveniently. Of those who ride Metro’s 212 line 3 out of 4 bus riders do not own a car, 9 in 10 bus riders are minorities (BIPOC), 95% of bus riders take Metro at least several times per week and 4 in 10 bus riders are below the poverty line. The project is a crucial step toward building a safer, quicker, more reliable, and equitable multi-modal transit network in Los Angeles.

Here is how the bus lanes will work: 

• The new priority bus lane changes the curbside peak-hour travel lane in each direction into a bus priority and right-turn-only lane on weekdays during peak hours from 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on the segment from Sunset Boulevard to Olympic Boulevard.
• Two regular traffic lanes and left turn pockets will be kept in each direction. Drivers can use the bus priority lanes to only make right turns at intersections and driveways.

With the completion of the La Brea Priority Lanes, we reached a milestone of reaching nearly 40 miles of new bus-only lanes in the City.

New Intersection Improvement Installed In North Hollywood

Yesterday we joined Council President Paul Krekorian for the ribbon-cutting of a new Refugee Island on Radford Avenue and Oxnard Street. This neighborhood improvement is the product of multiple community meetings and a petition from residents in the area for treatments that would reduce cut-through traffic and improve safety for all people traveling in the area.

To install the project, LADOT partnered with StreetsLA to design and construct a project to meet the communities goals. In combination with striping and signage changes, the Refuge Island seeks to reduce the number of vehicles using Radford Avenue south of Oxnard Street as a shortcut. The installation now allows for only two vehicle movements in or out of Radford Avenue at the intersection’s southern end. There will be no through traffic allowed between Radford Avenue north of Oxnard Street and Radford Avenue south of Oxnard Street thus preventing cut through traffic which undermined neighborhood quality of life. Pedestrians who travel the area also will experience more enjoyable walking conditions at this intersection thanks to the refuge island reducing pedestrian exposure to traffic.

Celebrating The Achievements of Outgoing Interim General Manager Connie Llanos

This week, we thank Connie Llanos for her service to LADOT, both as Interim General Manager for the last year and as Chief of Staff and Strategy and AGM of External Affairs from 2019 - 2022. Throughout her time with the Department Connie has demonstrated a deep commitment to our Department's greatest asset - our people - and she leaves a lasting influence on the department.

As the first Latina to serve as General Manager in the Department's history, Connie has shaped LADOT's commitment to equity in all areas of operation. From publishing the first-ever Bilingual Glossary of Transportation Terms and establishing a Gender Equity Action Plan, to the largest Universal Basic Mobility pilot and transportation subsidy in the nation, the department has rededicated itself to including the perspectives of people that have historically been excluded from transportation policy decisions under her leadership. By building an inclusive process for community-led project engagement that is now core to the Department's mission, Connie accelerated and enhanced LADOT's ability to deliver dignified, safe, and affordable transportation choices for all Angelenos.  

During her tenure, Connie led LADOT staff to reach record levels of service delivery, installing nearly 300 safety treatments, delivering the first 24-hour bus lane in the City, launching the new DASH line in North Hollywood, and securing nearly $250 million in grant funding. Her coalition building secured pivotal State legislation that allowed LADOT to reduce speed limits to improve safety on nearly 200 miles of City streets. She guided LADOT's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring key traffic safety positions in engineering and among traffic officers that had been lost during the pandemic, reducing the Department's vacancy rate by more than 30%. This includes a record 70% increase in the pace of hiring for crossing guards, allowing LADOT to deploy the largest cohort of school crossing guards in the Department's history while also reducing speed limits, installing new speed humps, and delivering intersection improvements to nearly 100 schools over the summer in what is now the City's largest ever investment in school safety efforts.

This work is invaluable to the residents of Los Angeles, and we join departments and leaders across the City Family to thank Connie for her service and contribution.

CicLAmini Rolls Through North Hollywood

Last Sunday thousands of people rolled through the open streets of North Hollywood for CicLAmini. The pedestrian-focused event closed off Chandler Blvd, Lankershim Blvd, and Magnolia Blvd for 1 mile of car-free streets for participants to enjoy. The event included guided walking tours, scavenger hunts, street games, and local business engagements. From biking, skating, and walking participants were able to enjoy the route any way they chose. Learn more about CicLAmini.

L.A and the City of San Fernando Partner For Move Your Way

This weekend, the City of Los Angeles and the City of San Fernando come together for Move Your Way. This is an open streets festival that promotes an active lifestyle and community engagement, all while celebrating the joy of biking, walking, and rolling. On Friday, September 23rd this fun, free event will have various Hub locations where you can participate and discover exciting activities and learn about mobility and community engagement. Come out and get inspired to live a healthy lifestyle and connect with the community. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in San Fernando, Pacoima, and Sylmar.

Learn more about Move Your Way

LADOT Now Hiring Crossing Guards

LADOT is now accepting applications for new Crossing Guards. Crossing guards keep students safe traveling to and from school and help educate and instill safe, alert walking behaviors in young Angelenos. Our crossing guards are placed at schools throughout the city and help provide experience and judgment to help children navigate a school crossing, while also increasing the visibility of their presence to drivers.

If you are interested in applying for a crossing guard position you can visit the website for the application and instructions on how to apply.

Participate in our Community Surveys:

You are the ultimate expert for your community. LADOT wants your input as we plan projects to improve the safety, sustainability, and livability of Los Angeles communities.

Hollywood Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project

LADOT wants to hear your thoughts on improving transportation safety along Hollywood Blvd, especially for those who walk, bike, and take transit. Take the survey

Forest Lawn Dr. Bike Lane Survey

The High speeds on Forest Lawn Drive are an impediment to the bicyclists who use the bike facilities along this corridor. The Forest Lawn Drive Active Transportation & Traffic Safety Project aims to reconfigure this street to improve safety and access for all travelers. Take the survey

Culver City Station MAT Survey w/ Metro

This Project works to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the City of Los Angeles within the half-mile radius of the Culver City E Line. By filling out this survey we will be able to develop a refined list of projects and improvements. Take the survey

Reseda Boulevard Complete Streets Project

As part of the Complete Streets Program, the City is reconstructing Reseda Blvd to improve safety and accessibility for all. Give your feedback on the upcoming improvement and receive updates and more information on the project here.

Transportation Photos of the Week