New campaign about pedestrian safety on Caltrans changeable message signs

You may have noticed a new message that caught your attention while driving on a freeway or highway last week.

The new message on Caltrans' changeable message signs (CMS) first appeared Sept. 7 and reads, "Watch for people walking on all roadways."

According to Wayne Ziese with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the message is part of a public information campaign addressing pedestrian safety on our state's roadways.

"The traffic safety messaging in the CMS is run jointly by OTS, CHP (California Highway Patrol) and Caltrans with help from the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and the State Transportation Agency," OTS spokesperson Wayne Ziese said.

New message on Caltrans changeable message sign raises awareness about pedestrian safety on roadways.

While OTS is the lead agency for safety campaign messages, Caltrans and CHP work together to develop the messages like the ones many drivers across the state saw last week.

September is also California Pedestrian Safety Month, thanks to a resolution passed by the state senate last year. The designation is intended to raise awareness about the increasing numbers of pedestrians killed and injured on roadways through a series of messages for drivers and pedestrians to be alert and share the road responsibly.

Numbers compiled by OTS show that pedestrian deaths are on the rise. In 2015, 813 pedestrians were killed on California roadways, with pedestrians accounting for nearly 25 percent of all roadway deaths. In 2005, pedestrians accounted for just 17 percent of all roadway deaths.

This particular safety message campaign ended on Sunday, but Caltrans, CHP and OTS will continually discuss whether the same type of messaging will be used next year on Caltrans' 800 CMS across the state, 70 of which are in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Caltrans and our partnering agencies have similar safety campaigns (think "Slow For the Cone Zone" and "Be Work Zone Alert") that are used on CMS and other signage throughout the year.

OTS uses Caltrans CMS for other safety campaigns like wearing seat belts ("Click It or Ticket"), DUI crackdowns ("DUI Doesn't Just Mean Booze") and distracted driving. The campaigns are done over four-day periods.

Safety campaigns from Caltrans and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about slowing down in work zones and moving over for emergency vehicles.

So the next time you get behind the wheel, be mindful of Caltrans working to make our drive safer, move over for emergency crews, wear your seat belt and put down the phone.

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Lane Shift on I-210 Will Move Towards Pasadena to Begin Phase 3

The Foothill Freeway (I-210) pavement rehabilitation project is starting Phase 3 and moving towards Pasadena!

Beginning Monday August 28 at 7 p.m. crews will begin to make temporary lane changes along westbound I-210 between Lincoln Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.

The current bypass lane in La Cañada Flintridge will move towards the city of Pasadena. Two outer lanes will close and lanes will shift towards the median. Crews will close lanes to replace old damaged pavement. To keep all lanes open while work is underway, both eastbound and westbound inner shoulders will be used as traffic lanes. A concrete barrier will separate the eastbound traffic and the westbound bypass lane for the safety of motorists. The work is estimated to continue through spring 2018.

BYPASS LANE Q&A:

 

Q: Why did Caltrans create a bypass lane?

A: Two lanes on westbound I-210 will close and traffic will be shifted towards the median. Both east- and westbound inner shoulders will be used as traffic lanes to allow all traffic lanes on westbound I-210 to remain open while work is underway. 

Q: How many miles will motorists travel on the bypass lane?
A: Once motorists decide to enter the bypass lane, they will travel approximately 2 miles and will not be able exit the lane until arriving at Foothill Boulevard. 

Q: Where will motorists enter and exit the bypass lane?

A: Motorists will enter the bypass lane near Lincoln Avenue and will exit Foothill Boulevard. Please note, motorists exiting the bypass lane will not be able to access the Foothill Boulevard/Gould Avenue off-ramps but will instead need to exit at Angeles Crest Highway off-ramp.

Q: Can motorists exit the bypass lane at any time?

A: No, the bypass lane has been created between k-rail and the freeway median. Once motorists enter the bypass lane, the first opportunity to exit the freeway will be Angeles Crest Highway off-ramp.

Q: How long will the bypass lane be in effect?
A: The bypass lane will remain open to motorists until spring 2018.

Q: Can a solo driver enter the bypass lane?

A: Yes, single drivers may drive in the bypass lane. The bypass lane is not an HOV lane.

Q: Are there any vehicles prohibited from entering the bypass lane?

A: No, there are no vehicle prohibitions to use the temporary bypass lane.

Q: Is this bypass lane an HOV lane? Are there plans for an HOV lane along I-210?

A: No, this is a temporary lane made for westbound I-210 while construction takes place in the area. Once the work is completed, all lanes will return to their original configuration. Current construction along I-210 is part of a $148.5 million pavement rehabilitation project, and is not an HOV lane project.

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I-5 Roadway Rehabilitation Project Starts in Northern L.A. County

A news conference and groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 9, 2017, spotlighted the beginning of the construction phase of the Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway) Roadway Rehabilitation Project in northern Los Angeles County.

The $171 million project will replace and repair aging concrete pavement on nearly 16 miles of I-5 in and near the city of Santa Clarita, the third largest city in Los Angeles County.  On average, more than 200,000 vehicles a day use this section of the freeway.

A groundbreaking event celebrated the start of construction on the I-5 project.

Local and state officials hailed the construction on the heavily traveled I-5, which is a backbone of the state highway system.

“This section of Interstate 5 has pavement that is more than 50 years old and no longer adequate for current and future traffic loads,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.  “This project is an essential investment to improve transportation infrastructure.  I-5 is the major north-south trucking corridor that facilitates the movement of goods and people by providing a connection between the Central Valley and the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.”

The event was held adjacent to I-5 at Lyons Avenue on a site overlooking the busy freeway.

The improvements will provide a smoother roadway with a 40-year design life, which will reduce the need for future lane closures for maintenance.  As a result of this project, drivers will experience fewer delays in the future while enjoying an improved ride.

Trucks make up a significant portion of the vehicles on I-5 in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The estimated completion of the project will be in Summer 2019.  The improvements will be made on 15.8 miles of I-5 from a half-mile south of State Route 14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) to 1.7 miles north of Lake Hughes Road.

Concrete pavement will be replaced in the outside lanes (#3 and #4 lanes).  In the inside lanes (#1 and #2 lanes), broken concrete slabs will also be replaced and the lanes will receive profile grinding to ensure a smooth surface for vehicles.  The guard rail will be modernized and other upgrades will be made.

In July 2017, the contractor, Atkinson Construction, began placing temporary lane markings and concrete barriers on the southbound side of I-5 for the first stage of the project.  Stage 1 work will be conducted on the southbound and northbound sides of the freeway, mainly between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weeknights.

On most nights, at least two freeway lanes will be kept open for traffic in the work zone, except from midnight to 4 a.m. when at least one lane normally will be open for traffic.  Closure of all freeway lanes is expected to occur infrequently during the project. 

The project is funded by state and federal funds through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP).

Caltrans reminds drivers to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

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Tunnel Upgrades on Foothill Freeway (I-210)

 

Tunnel improvements are coming to Foothill Freeway (I-210) in Pasadena.

Another I-210 freeway closure? Yes, that’s right. Sometimes closures can be tough and inconvenient, but they are necessary to maintain the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Caltrans will bring new tunnel upgrades on the westbound I-210 to southbound SR-110 connector. The tunnel will be repainted and the lighting system will be upgraded to enhance safety.

Closure information:
Beginning July 10, 2017, westbound I-210 connector to southbound SR-110/Del Mar Boulevard and California Boulevard exit will close daily, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will continue through August.

Detour signs will be posted. Motorists should expect delays, are advised to consider alternate routes, plan ahead and check traffic conditions before traveling.

These closures are part of a $148.5 million pavement rehabilitation project. Closures are subject to change.

For additional project information please visit I-210 Pavement Rehabilitation Project

Caltrans reminds you to “Be Work Zone Alert.”

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Lane Shift on Westbound Foothill Freeway I-210 for Pavement Rehabilitation

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE — Beginning May 3 at 7 p.m. crews will begin to make temporary lane changes along westbound Foothill Freeway I-210 between Berkshire Place and Ocean View Boulevard to excavate old damaged pavement and put in new concrete.

Construction crews will restripe and shift lanes towards the median. Both eastbound and westbound inner shoulders will be used as traffic lanes. The eastbound inner shoulder will become a temporary bypass lane for westbound traffic. A concrete barrier will separate the eastbound traffic and the westbound bypass lane for the safety of motorists. Two outer lanes (near the ramps) on westbound I-210 will close as crews will begin to replace the pavement to create a smoother drive. The bypass lane allows all traffic lanes on westbound I-210 to remain open while work is underway. The work is estimated to continue through winter 2017.

The current westbound I-210 ramp closures- Berkshire Place on-ramp and Arroyo Boulevard off-ramp are scheduled to reopen on May 20, weather permitting.

The Foothill Freeway is a major thoroughfare serving commuters between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. As a result of heavy use, the road needs to be replaced with new pavement. Flatiron West Inc. is the contractor on this $148.5 million pavement rehabilitation project and is expected to be completed in 2018.

Motorists are advised to “Be Work Zone Alert” and “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

BYPASS LANE Q&A:

 

Q: Why did Caltrans create a bypass lane?

A: Two lanes on westbound I-210 will close and traffic will be shifted towards the median. Both east- and westbound inner shoulders will be used as traffic lanes to allow all traffic lanes on westbound I-210 to remain open while work is underway. A concrete barrier will separate eastbound traffic and the westbound bypass lane for motorists’ safety.

Q: How many miles will motorists travel on the bypass lane?
A: Once motorists decide to enter the bypass lane, they will travel approximately 3 miles and will not be able exit the lane until arriving at Ocean View Boulevard. 

Q: Where will motorists enter and exit the bypass lane?

A: Motorists will enter the bypass lane near Berkshire Place and will exit at Ocean View Boulevard. Please note, motorists exiting the bypass lane will not be able to access the Ocean View Boulevard off-ramp but will instead need to exit at La Crescenta Avenue off-ramp.

Q: Can motorists exit the bypass lane at any time?

A: No, the bypass lane has been created between k-rail and the freeway median. Once motorists enter the bypass lane, the first opportunity to exit the freeway will be at the La Crescenta Avenue off-ramp.

Q: How long will the bypass lane be in effect?
A: The bypass lane will remain open to motorists until winter 2017.

Q: Can a solo driver enter the bypass lane?

A: Yes, single drivers may drive on the bypass lane. The bypass lane is not an HOV lane.

Q: Are there any vehicles prohibited from entering the bypass lane?

A: No, there are no vehicle prohibitions to use the temporary bypass lane.

Q: Is this bypass lane an HOV lane? Are there plans for an HOV lane along I-210?

A: No, this is a temporary lane made for westbound I-210 while construction takes place in the area. Once the work is completed, all lanes will return to their original configuration. Current construction along I-210 is part of a $148.5 million pavement rehabilitation project, and is not an HOV lane project.

*Dates are weather permitting and subject to change.

 

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UPDATE*** Long-Term Lane and Ramp Closures on Foothill Freeway I-210 Rehabilitation Pavement Project

The pavement rehabilitation project occurring on Foothill Freeway (I-210) will move on its way to the next section of the freeway. Caltrans will close one lane on eastbound I-210 beginning April 17, from Ocean View Boulevard to Lincoln Avenue as crews begin to replace damaged pavement. This lane closure will remain in effect through winter 2017.

Along with the lane closure, long term ramp closures will be taking place:

·         Beginning April 11 through June 2017: Westbound I-210 Ocean View Boulevard on-ramp and La Crescenta Avenue off-ramp will be closed

·         Beginning April 24 through June 2017: Eastbound I-210 Berkshire Place on-ramp and Arroyo Boulevard off-ramp will be closed

 

Plan ahead, consider alternate routes, and check traffic conditions before traveling! Use Caltrans Quickmap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Construction projects occasionally require temporary closures and changes to the area. These closures are part of a $148.5 million pavement rehabilitation project, where improvements are being made on I-210 between Glendale and Pasadena. Construction crews will excavate damaged pavement and place pre-made concrete slabs to provide a smoother drive for motorists and minimize the need for further lane closures in the future.

Pictures captured on 03.29.17

Construction crews excavating old concrete and placing pre-made concrete slabs on westbound I-210, between Ocean View boulevard and La Crescenta Avenue.

 

 

 

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A new step for pedestrians on State Route 1

This Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, also referred to as a HAWK beacon, was installed by Caltrans in March 2017 on
State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles

The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon remains dark until it is activated by a pedestrian. First, the beacon
displays a flashing yellow warning, followed by a solid yellow, and then a solid red on two lenses.

The beacon is shown in use as a pedestrian crosses State Route 1 on March 30, 2017.

A new type of crosswalk beacon has been installed by Caltrans on State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The system is popularly known as a HAWK beacon (the acronym is derived from High-intensity Activated crossWalK).  More precisely, it is referred to as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB).

The installation is designed to provide superior awareness and enhanced safety when pedestrians use the crosswalk.

This is the second PHB in operation that was installed by Caltrans District 7, which includes the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura.  The first is on State Route 1 at Second Street in the city of Manhattan Beach.

When a pedestrian activates the button, the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon uses flashing and solid lights to instruct drivers to stop.  As seen from a driver’s point of view, the configuration of the PHB consists of two red lenses side-by-side over a single yellow lens.

As described in a 2010 study by the Federal Highway Administration, the phase sequence is as follows:

The unit is dark until it is activated by a pedestrian. When pedestrians want to cross the street, they press a button that activates the warning flashing yellow….
After a set amount of time, the indication changes to a solid yellow light to inform drivers to prepare to stop. The device then displays a dual solid red light for drivers … and a walking person symbol (symbolizing WALK) for the pedestrians.
The beacon then displays an alternating flashing red light, and pedestrians are shown a flashing upraised hand (symbolizing DON’T WALK) with a countdown display advising them of the time left to cross. During the alternating flashing red operation, drivers can proceed after coming to a full stop and checking that pedestrians have already crossed their lane of travel.

The new PHB was installed in March 2017 on SR-1 north of Temescal Canyon Boulevard near Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park.



Here is how the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon works for drivers and pedestrians, step by step.

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