Colorado Esplanade Project

The Colorado Esplanade Project is a multi-modal circulation infrastructure and streetscape project located between the Downtown Santa Monica Metro station terminus for the Expo Light Rail Line and the Santa Monica Pier. Once a car-centric, two-way street, Colorado Avenue, from 4th Street to Ocean Avenue, was transformed into an active, multimodal travel corridor that accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists and autos in a safe, coordinated and efficient system. Twenty-foot wide, tree-lined sidewalks with “wavy” pavers, wood sidewalk decking, string lighting, wooden benches, tree wells, and separated bicycle paths complete this unique thoroughfare to the beach, Pier, Civic Center, downtown amenities, and transit stations. Reconfiguring Colorado Boulevard into a one-way street by removing one car lane was a radical notion because Santa Monica (and the greater Los Angeles area) has perennial traffic problems. However, changing the boulevard to a one-way, west-bound, lane alleviated existing traffic issues and added pedestrian and bicycling zones. The redesigned esplanade helps to address increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic created by visitors arriving from the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station terminus. The expanded bicycle and pedestrian zones were an opportunity to create a ‘sense of place’ that reinforces streets as public open space. Streetscape designs, landscaping, infrastructure improvements, and wayfinding art define this new Esplanade. Key elements included: reconfigured right-of-way to support pedestrian and bicycle safety, segregated cycle track, custom pavers to reflect ocean environment, scramble intersections, energy-efficient LED string lighting for a festive environment and safety, and drought tolerant trees and landscape to unify and soften roadway hardscape. The Colorado Esplanade created a seamless walk or bike ride to and from area destinations and provides safe multimodal transportation options. The project contains sustainable design features for the expected increase in pedestrian and bicyclist traffic generated from the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Terminus Station. The new design encourages and welcomes walking, biking and transit. The reconfigured roadway also changed traffic patterns by having 2nd Street directly connect to Main Street, where in the past, one would have to travel through two congested intersections to travel the same distance. The reduction in vehicle lanes also leads to a lowering of vehicle emissions in the area. Wider parkways make visual pedestrian linkages clear, string lights with yellow support poles at 50-foot intervals maintain views while providing necessary light, and a new triangle-shaped park provides public gathering space. By incorporating a community priority to reduce visual clutter, the Esplanade’s high design and features, express the spirit and allure of the City while improving mobility and safety for the community and visitors alike.