State Grant Brings Major Street Safety Improvements to South LA Neighborhoods

A state grant focused on infrastructure improvements near affordable housing developments will soon bring significant street safety and mobility enhancements to South Los Angeles neighborhoods near Compton Avenue.

According to a notice issued by the City of Los Angeles, construction is set to begin on new streetscape and active transportation infrastructure on corridors surrounding the Parkview affordable housing development, located at 4020 Compton Avenue. The project, developed by Thomas Safran & Associates, will now see its surrounding streets transformed to benefit both residents and the broader community.

The comprehensive package of improvements includes five miles of Class III bicycle routes and two miles of Class IV protected bicycle lanes, significantly expanding the cycling network in an area where many residents rely on alternative transportation. Other safety enhancements will feature 16 high-visibility crosswalks, two rectangular flashing beacon signals, two speed feedback signals, and a pedestrian leading interval signal to improve street crossing safety.

Additional upgrades will address longstanding infrastructure needs, with plans for sidewalk reconstruction, curb ramp installations and upgrades, street tree planting, driveway replacements, 17 new streetlights, and a new neighborhood traffic circle to calm traffic.

These improvements are particularly significant for South Los Angeles communities that have historically received less infrastructure investment than other parts of the city. For residents from nearby Inglewood and Compton who regularly travel through this area, the enhancements will provide safer connections to jobs, services, and recreation.

The project represents a growing trend of coupling affordable housing development with transportation improvements, recognizing that mobility access is a crucial component of housing affordability. The state grant program specifically targets neighborhoods surrounding new affordable housing to ensure residents can safely and conveniently navigate their communities without depending on automobile ownership.

Construction dates and potential traffic impacts during the implementation phase have not yet been announced. The Inglewood Times will provide updates as the project progresses.

This story includes information from reporting by Steven Sharp.