Roads slated for a remake

CITY HALL — A major South Glendale corridor could soon get a slate of traffic calming measures and accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians under a $700,000-project going to the City Council.

Updated curb ramps and improved sidewalks, bike lanes and sharrows — or shared lanes with vehicles — and new circular intersections are included in the plans for the corridor that spans Riverdale Drive from San Fernando Road to Central Avenue, Maple Street from Central Avenue to Verdugo Road, Rock Glen Avenue from Verdugo Road to Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Avenue from Rock Glen Avenue to Colorado Street.

“It’s essentially re-envisioning that corridor as a bike and pedestrian-friendly corridor that people can use, whether they are trying to get somewhere or they are trying to just get out and bike and walk for exercise,” said Colin Bogart, a liaison with the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition who has been working with Glendale officials on improving infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

The proposed improvements are part of the city’s push in recent years to catch up with other cities in providing safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. As Councilwoman Laura Friedman put it earlier this month, “That’s the goal — getting cars off the road.”

The City Council today is expected to open bidding for the $700,000 project.

The east-to-west corridor was chosen by transportation planners because it crosses several of the city's major streets from San Fernando Road to the border with Eagle Rock. It also touches some of the densest neighborhoods, is within five blocks of nine local schools and connects Pacific, Maple and Carr parks.

“It’s a great project and we’re excited to get started on it,” Public Works Director Steve Zurn said.

Some improvements — such as a new stoplight and curb extensions — have already been put in place during previous public works projects, while the bicycle coalition paid for trees to be planted along the corridor.

The route, officials said, is designed to serve as the spine of future designated walking routes.

“It is a concrete example of the direction the city is heading in terms of making changes to the streets to better accommodate bicyclist and pedestrians, and I think that’s a positive sign,” Bogart said.