Study recommends signals and crossing controls along Whittier Boulevard to reduce pedestrian risk

Ida Musavi of Bowman presented a pedestrian safety analysis for Whittier Boulevard, telling the Montebello Traffic & Safety Commission the corridor has 11 uncontrolled crossings and multiple collision patterns that justify targeted controls. Musavi said the study identified the highest‑risk locations and recommended a mix of treatments to reduce pedestrian–vehicle conflicts.

“On top of rehabilitating the pavement, how can we approach making these pedestrian crossings safer?” Musavi asked, describing counts, collision history and a California MUTCD signal‑warrant analysis. The report recommended prohibiting seven unsignalized crossings identified as high risk (22nd Street, 20th Street, 19th Street, Park Avenue, 12th Street, Spruce Street, 7th Street and Third Street), installing traffic signals at 18th Street and Greenwood Avenue (both said to meet MUTCD warrants), and placing a rectangular rapid‑flash beacon at Third Street.

Commissioners asked how the streets were selected and what the measures mean for pedestrians and ADA access. Staff said removing some crosswalks would be paired with ADA ramp modifications to direct pedestrian movement east–west, and that changes would be coordinated with the pavement rehabilitation project and future construction bids. The project team emphasized that signalization and other treatments aim to reduce conflict points on a five‑lane arterial that is also a truck route.

The commission voted to receive and file the Whittier Boulevard safety analysis; staff said the next steps include final design, soliciting construction bids and seeking city‑council authorization to adopt changes.

The study's recommendations are advisory: final approvals, project funding and construction scheduling will be decided by the city council and through routine procurement.