The City of Los Angeles is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to improve Alameda Street, a vital thoroughfare in the Wilmington – Harbor City area. This comprehensive project aims to modernize Alameda Street to meet the growing needs of the community and enhance safety for all users. This document outlines the key aspects of the Alameda Street Improvement Project, focusing on its objectives, location, and environmental review process.
Project Overview: Modernizing Alameda Street
The Alameda Street Improvement Project is designed to address several critical infrastructure needs. The core objectives of this project include:
- Widening Alameda Street: The project will widen and reconstruct Alameda Street from Anaheim Street to Harry Bridges Boulevard. This expansion will create three through lanes in each direction, along with a dedicated center turn lane or painted median. This upgrade from four to six lanes will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along Alameda Street.
- Upgrading Railroad Crossings: Safety enhancements are a priority. The project will upgrade four existing railroad crossings situated at Anaheim Street, “E” Street, George De La Torre Jr. Avenue (formerly Eubank Avenue), and Harry Bridges Boulevard. These upgrades are crucial for improving safety and efficiency at these busy intersections along Alameda Street.
- Traffic Signal Enhancements: To manage the increased lane capacity and improve traffic management, the project includes modifications to existing traffic signals at Anaheim Street and the ILWU-13 property driveway entrance. Additionally, three new traffic signals will be installed at the intersections of “E” Street and Alameda Street, George De La Torre Jr. Avenue (formerly Eubank Avenue) and Alameda Street, and Quay Avenue and Harry Bridges Boulevard.
- Developing Active Transportation Pathways: In line with California’s Coast Trail, the LA Harbor Waterfront Pedestrian Trail, and the City of Los Angeles 2010 Bicycle Plan, the project will introduce a Class I (off-street), eight-foot wide, two-way bike trail and shared pedestrian path. This dedicated pathway will run along the eastern side of Alameda Street from Harry Bridges Boulevard to Anaheim Street, promoting active transportation and connectivity.
- Street Classification Upgrade: The project aims to upgrade Alameda Street to a Modified Major Highway Class II Street, reflecting its increased capacity and importance in the city’s transportation network.
- Storm Drain System Improvements: To enhance drainage and manage stormwater runoff, the project includes relocating, constructing, and extending the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Flood Control District storm drain systems.
- Sidewalk Construction: Pedestrian infrastructure will be improved with the construction of a new sidewalk on the southern side of Anaheim Street. All sidewalks will be built to comply with the latest standards set by the BOE Plan Standards.
- Street Tree Management: The project will involve the removal and replacement of street trees as necessary to accommodate the street widening and infrastructure upgrades.
- Utility Relocation and Installation: Essential utility work is also part of the project, including the relocation and installation of water, oil, gas, power poles, streetlight poles, and sewer lines along Alameda Street. Right-of-way acquisition will be required to facilitate these improvements.
Project Location: Wilmington – Harbor City Community
The Alameda Street Improvement Project is strategically located within the public right-of-way of Alameda Street, specifically between Anaheim Street and Harry Bridges Boulevard. This area falls within the Wilmington – Harbor City Community Plan Area of the City of Los Angeles. This location is a key transportation corridor serving both local residents and regional traffic, making these improvements crucial for the area’s infrastructure.
Environmental Review Process: Ensuring Responsible Development
The Bureau of Engineering (BOE) has conducted an environmental review for the Alameda Street Improvement Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An Initial Study (IS) was prepared to assess the potential environmental impacts of the project. The BOE has proposed to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), indicating that while there could be potential environmental effects, these can be mitigated to less than significant levels.
While the public comment period for the Draft IS/MND has concluded (April 13, 2023 to May 14, 2023), the project documents remain available for public review. These documents provide detailed information about the project’s environmental analysis and proposed mitigation measures.
Access to Project Documents
For those interested in learning more about the Alameda Street Improvement Project, the following documents are available for review:
- Draft IS/MND
- Appendix A – Air Quality Technical Memorandum
- Appendix B – Arborist Report (Part 1 and Part 2)
- Appendix C – Biological Resources Memorandum
- Appendix D – Cultural Resources Assessment
- Appendix E – Energy Technical Memorandum
- Appendix F – Greenhouse Gas Emissions Technical Memorandum
- Appendix G – Noise and Vibration Technical Memorandum
- Appendix H – Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
- Appendix I – Traffic Analysis Technical Memorandum
- Presentation from Public Meeting (April 27, 2023)
This project represents a significant investment in the infrastructure of Los Angeles, specifically along Alameda Street. The improvements are expected to enhance traffic flow, improve safety, and provide better active transportation options for the community.
