TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation from the City of Pico Rivera on the Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project (the “Project”) and direct City Manager to (1) explore a formal partnership dedicated to advancing the Project with relevant agencies and (2) execute non-binding memorandums of understanding and statements of intent in connection with that exploration.
DISCUSSION
On May 12, 2023, the Mobility, Ports, and Infrastructure Committee received and filed a presentation from the City of Pico Rivera on the Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project (Attachment). The Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project aims to build synergy and streamline ongoing efforts in the San Gabriel Valley and the Gateway Cities to plan and build a 26-mile multimodal corridor that incorporates, where feasible, high-quality active transportation facilities and dedicated bus guideways to improve regional mobility, improve safety for vulnerable road users, and stimulate transit-oriented community and economic development. As the linchpin city between the San Gabriel Valley and Gateway Cities sub-regions, the City of Pico Rivera is spearheading efforts to facilitate early coordination until a regional, better-equipped planning entity such as Metro, a dedicated JPA, or a COG can undertake the project in full. The project is subject to approval by each city and jurisdiction within the corridor.
Within the City of Long Beach, Lakewood Boulevard is approximately 3 miles in length, from the Pacific Coast Highway traffic circle north to the City of Lakewood city limit, with an additional 1 mile being shared with the City of Lakewood, from Carson Street north to Del Amo Boulevard. From the Lakewood traffic circle to Willow Street, there are no bicycle lanes, with limited ability to provide them. Bicycle lanes will not fit into the existing typical section north of Willow Street due to the tunnel under the Long Beach Airport, as well as safely being able to navigate through the I-405 ramps, both adjacent to each other. This section has high truck traffic and reducing lane widths to accommodate bicycle lanes should only be considered south of Willow Street. Lakewood Boulevard along this stretch also appears to be a designated truck route as well as a State Route 19 (SR-19) which requires Caltrans approval for design/construction changes. This section should be considered for relinquishment by Caltrans to the City of Long Beach. There is also no on-street parking throughout this section of the Corridor.
Lakewood Boulevard is a major arterial that carries a significant amount of traffic, relieving heavy traffic volumes from the 405 and SR 91 freeways and is a signature entry corridor into Long Beach and the Long Beach Airport. Running north-south, Lakewood Boulevard traverses the Gateway Cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, Paramount, Downey, Pico Rivera and the County of Los Angeles. Given the importance of the efficient operation of this arterial for all modes of transportation and its effect on the quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods, these Gateway
Cities would like to develop a Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard Complete Corridor Project.
The recommended action seeks to direct the City Manager to explore a formal partnership dedicated to advancing the Project with relevant agencies such as Long Beach Transit, the Gateway City Council of Governments, Metro, Southern California Association of Governments (“SCAG”), corridor cities and other relevant agencies. Areas of potential collaboration for said partnership may include, but are not limited to funding pursuits (grants, direct appropriations, etc.), state and federal advocacy, early technical planning and community outreach and engagement. Additionally, the recommended action seeks City Manager authority to execute non-binding memorandums of understanding and statements of intent in connection with that exploration. It is intended that any future binding agreements authorizing the allocation of funding related to the Project be recommended separately for City Council consideration and approval.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
[Timing Considerations]
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,