The stretch of Huntington Drive between through Lincoln Heights and El Sereno is likely the latest beneficiary of the $700 million in transportation funding freed up through the cancellation of the controversial 710 freeway extension.
On August 31, Los Angeles officials have scheduled the first community meeting for the Huntington Drive Multi-Modal Transportation Improvement Project, which could encompass a variety of transit, active transportation, and safety features to the roughly four-mile corridor between Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center and the City of Alhambra. According to a project website, concepts being considered by Huntington Drive include the construction of new public open space, and potentially a new bus rapid transit line. The study will also evaluate parking availability along the corridor, as well as unspecified measures to improve mobility, traffic flow, and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Huntington Drive, once a Pacific Electric Railway corridor, varies between two and three bidirectional lanes within the study area. Notable landmarks and activity hubs include Lincoln and Rose Hill Parks, the Medical Center, and multiple public schools. Multiple bus lines and Class II bike lanes serve the corridor.
Aerial view of Huntington DriveCity of Los Angeles
The study area is home to over 57,000 residents, including large segments identifying as white, Asian, and Hispanic. English, Spanish, and Asian languages are commonly spoken in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Huntington Drive, named after Pacific Electric owner and real estate developer Henry Huntington, is one of three corridors where Los Angeles officials hope to implement transportation and mobility projects using funding from the scuttled 710 extension. Valley Boulevard could also see a new bus rapid transit line and active transportation infrastructure, while Eastern Avenue is slated for as-yet unspecified improvements.
The first public meeting regarding the project, scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, will start at 6:00 pm. Click here to join.
To provide feedback on Huntington Drive, respond to the city's survey here or visit the project's official website.
