UPDATE: Flashing Beacons Set for Installation on Santa Monica Boulevard

[The following is an edited press release from the City of West Hollywood.]

The City of West Hollywood will Tuesday begin the first phases of the project to install three Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) to improve visibility at mid-block and unsignalized pedestrian crossings on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The RRFB project is expected to last through the week, and landscape work is scheduled to begin, according to city facilities manager, Steve Campbell. In addition, a majority of improvements and plant materials will be installed in early November.   

The items of work include the removal and relocation of eleven palm trees and landscape improvements at the midblock unsignalized crosswalks on Santa Monica Boulevard at Orange Grove Avenue, Hancock Avenue and La Peer Drive. The trees will be relocated to other areas on the median where pedestrian visibility is not a concern. Landscape work includes irrigation repair, removal of existing landscape material, and installation of new low growing plant material. The City’s tree services contractor, West Coast Arborists, and Mariposa Landscape will complete the landscape improvements. 

Intermittently throughout the project, lanes of traffic will be closed in both directions on Santa Monica Boulevard. Electronic sign boards will be placed at strategic locations to alert drivers of expected congestion and to suggest alternate routes. 

Santa Monica Boulevard west of La Cienega Boulevard is one of the most heavily trafficked thoroughfares in West Hollywood, traveled by an estimated 60,000 vehicles per day. The installation of the high-visibility crosswalk lights will serve to increase safety for pedestrians who live and shop in the neighborhood, while not significantly impeding traffic.

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