Transportation Improvements for the Opening of Schools

The City has installed and activated a temporary traffic signal at Longfellow Elementary School at the intersection of Washington Blvd, and Catalina Street.  The temporary traffic signal which was installed by the Public Works Department over the weekend of August 16th will be replaced by a permanent signal including new poles, signal heads and permanent footings during the summer of 2009.  This signal will improve student crossings at this busy intersection.  The City received a grant from the State to install this signal as part of the Safe Routes to School Program, but the release of the grant funds has been delayed due to the lack of a State budget.  In the interest of safety, both the Public Works Department and the Transportation moved forward to provide the intersection with a temporary signal.

PHS Drop-Off and Pick-Up Plan

For the opening of school, 2007, a major capital improvement project created a new pick-up and drop-off plan for Pasadena High School Students.  Other improvements included a new left hand traffic signal northbound off of Sierra Madre Blvd., a new left hand traffic signal northbound off of Washington Blvd, and a repaved City parking lot used by students during the week and the Pasadena Certified Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.  This project was intended to improve students safety and traffic conditions in the residential areas to the south and northeast of the school campus.  This year staff from the Pasadena Police Department and the Transportation Department will be monitoring the opening of schools at all PUSD locations checking on traffic circulation and orderly passenger loading and unloading zones.

Pedestrian Safety

The City of Pasadena provides crossing guards at 16 elementary school sites during peak school start and ending hours where significant numbers of elementary school-age children walk independently (without an adult escort) to and from school.  Safe routes are analyzed and mapped out by City traffic and transportation engineers.  Additional service is provided by both the Transportation and the Police Department at the opening of the school year to assure students and parents are adopting safe routines and making note of any area or intersection that needs additional research and review.

A video about pedestrian safety and safe routes to schools, starring John Muir High School students and produced by the Public Affairs Office with the Transportation Department is available to view on line.