Although some opposition has surfaced to a traffic signal planned at 3rd Street and La Jolla Avenue, the project remains on track.

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation plans to install a traffic signal at 3rd Street and La Jolla Avenue as a safety measure. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, said the signal is a safety measure that will allow for improved pedestrian crossing at the intersection, which currently has only a marked crosswalk.

La Jolla Avenue resident Chaz Stevens, a member of the Beverly Wilshire Homes Association, said many neighbors fear a signal will cause more traffic to flow around the intersection on east/west roadways such as Blackburn Avenue and 1st Street. Stevens added that a signal will also provide a clear path for motorists traveling north and south on La Jolla Avenue to connect between Wilshire and Beverly boulevards, adding more traffic to the residential street.

Koretz said he is willing to speak with residents about the plan, but the installation is a certainty. He said a pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing at the intersection in January 2014, and a study of the intersection and surrounding roads determined that a traffic signal was the best safety measure to prevent future incidents. If the city ignored the study’s findings and declined to install a traffic signal, the city could be found liable if future problems occur at the site, he said.

“I am willing to talk to them, but I am not sure whether I am willing, or should, do anything about it,” Koretz said. “It will be very difficult, if not impossible, to do anything other than putting in a signal.”

Lisa Martellaro-Palmer, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, said preliminary work for signal installation is underway, and the signal should be operational within two months. She agreed with Koretz that the study and crossing safety issues warrant a signal at the site, and that liability issues make it mandatory.

Stevens said although there is opposition to a four-way signal, he accepts that one will be installed.

“We are resigned to that,” Stevens said, adding that he would have preferred to have a flashing beacon installed at the site to allow pedestrians to cross when they push a button.

Martellaro-Palmer said the crossing beacon system has not been proven to be the safest measure, as motorists sometimes do not see pedestrians in the crosswalk. Traffic signals, in which motorists are required to stop, are considered to be safer.

“We have had some safety concerns and have to look at the overall picture,” Martellaro-Palmer said.

Koretz said a meeting will be scheduled with residents to discuss other traffic improvements and safety options that may be possible on 3rd Street. The meeting will possibly be held by the end of the week or early next week.

Stevens said he is interested to hear what the councilman has in mind. He said traffic congestion has reached critical levels in the neighborhood, and could potentially restrict access for emergency vehicles.

“The bigger picture is traffic in this neighborhood is full to capacity,” Stevens added. “We are trying to mitigate issues on main streets.”