Willowbrook Area Access Improvements and Wayfinding Project

Location

Willowbrook

City or County Responsible for Project

Los Angeles County

Category

Complete Streets Projects

Author

Leslie Schenk

Organization

Los Angeles County Department of Public Works

Address

900 South Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, CA 91803

Phone

(626) 458-5946

Project Description

The County of Los Angeles (County) Department of Public Works (Public Works) implemented the Willowbrook Area Access Improvements and Wayfinding Project (Project) to preserve and enhance sustainability of the local transportation system. The implementation of the Project involved strong partnerships and collaboration between multiple agencies, County departments, and the community. This Project helps fulfill Public Works’ commitment to “Invest in Community Sustainability”. The Project limits include Wilmington Avenue between Imperial Highway and 120th Street, 119th Street between Wilmington Avenue and Willowbrook Avenue, and 120th Street between Compton Avenue and Wilmington Avenue in the unincorporated Los Angeles County area of Willowbrook. The Project improved the quality of life in the Willowbrook community through enhancement of public space and restored accessibility, primarily between the Rosa Parks Station and the MLK Outpatient Center. Approximately 15,000 riders use the Rosa Parks Station each day. In addition, observed counts show 235 pedestrians per day at the intersection of 119th St and Wilmington Avenue in the heart of the Project area. The Project addressed safety and accessibility in the area, improving driver, bicycle, and pedestrian experiences. In addition, the Project team developed community branding and informative wayfinding signage that was located throughout the limits of the Project. Enhanced preservation, safety, access, and overall quality of the local road right-of-way was achieved through the following improvements: • Pavement repair and decorative crosswalks • Pedestrian lighting • Traffic signal upgrades • Street furnishings such as bus shelters, benches, and bike racks • Wayfinding signage • LID features such as bio-retention tree wells and a new trench drain at the existing fire station to collect water from truck washing • New bike lanes and routes • Sidewalk enhancements • Median and parkway landscape improvements, including vegetation selected to reduce irrigation and maintenance requirements • Enhancement of existing green space and creation of new urban green space • A well-landscaped and shaded path for pedestrians The Project components were designed based on stakeholder involvement which resulted in a Project that accommodates all users of the local road system and provides access to safe multi-modal transportation options such as walking and biking. The County performed extensive outreach through multiple events, community meetings, and a unique collaboration with an artist who interviewed community members and produced a book to commemorate his findings. This Project enhances infrastructure within LA County by effectively integrating transportation systems, including existing bike networks, bus routes, and the Metro rail system. This Project successfully created a new community revitalizing amenity that will serve the Los Angeles residents for many years to come.