The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced $1 billion in new grants through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program - a component of the Biden administration’s landmark infrastructure bill. Of the $152 million awarded to California applicants, approximately $60 million will go to four projects in Los Angeles County.

"“Through new funding programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping communities of all sizes make their roadways safer for everyone who uses them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement. “We should be energized by the fact that together we’ve reduced traffic fatalities for more than two years in a row now – but so much work remains to fully address the crisis on our roads. Today’s roadway safety grants will deliver funding directly to 354 communities and continue the important work we’re doing to reduce traffic fatalities to the only number that’s acceptable: zero.”  

Pacific Avenue in Long BeachUSDOT

The City of Long Beach has been awarded $25 million for a project that will add protected, sidewalk-level Class IV cycle track to a two-mile stretch of Pacific Avenue. Other planned improvements to the corridor, which links Downtown Long Beach and Long Beach City College, include continuous center medians, raised pedestrian crossings, the installation of eight new pedestrian crossings, and new transit stops.

20th Street in PalmdaleUSDOT

The City of Palmdale will receive $5.3 million to address speeding and safety concerns along a nearly two-mile stretch of 20th Street. Plans call for adding a new sidewalk, enhanced crosswalks with bulb-outs, lighting, and the reconstruction of one dangerous intersection.

Intersection in unincorporated LA CountyUSDOT

Los Angeles County has been awarded $29.8 million for its Safer Steps for LA County Pedestrians initiative, which will implement improvements to 77 intersections which see higher-than-average pedestrian fatalities and severe industries. Planned improvements include high-visibility crosswalks, curb extensions, and signal improvements such as leading pedestrian intervals.

Rainbow Bridge in WattsGoogle Street View

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles will receive $10.9 million to upgrade a stretch of Wilmington Avenue in South Los Angeles by adding new high-visibility crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and other traffic-calming measures. The project will also renovate the Rainbow Bridge - the pedestrian overcrossing to the south of Metro's 103rd Street/Watts Towers Station - with new lighting, accessibility, and safety features.

In addition, nearly $23 million was awarded to jurisdictions across California for various planning projects related to road safety.

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