City Council Agenda Report
August 6, 2024
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: Jesus M. Gomez, City Manager
BY: James C. Parker, Executive Director of Regional Transportation SUBJECT: 2028 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPIC GAMES – HIGH VALUE CORRIDOR
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Background:
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) is seeking to partner with local cities, including the City of Norwalk, where there are 2028 Olympic Games venues or key transit terminals in order to identify and redesign key streets. The goal is to improve pedestrian and bicycle access between high-quality transit stations and venues, ensuring world- class street design that will be implemented by 2027.
In 2022, LA Metro, as part of its Mobility Concept Plan, conducted high-level access analysis and made street improvement recommendations around ten key venues. These recommendations were refined for the purpose of creating a list of High Value Corridors, which includes the City of Norwalk.
The LA Metro Norwalk/I-605 C Line Station located in the City of Norwalk has been identified as an important terminus station connecting to the Gateway cities and plays a key role in connecting patrons across the region to public transit; and is slated to be a Central Mobility Hub for the 2028 Olympic Games based on its proximity to the Norwalk/Santa Fe Springs Metrolink Station.
As such, Studebaker Road and Adoree Street have been identified as High Value Corridors to better connect residents and transit users to the C Line Station via local roads.
Context and Proposed Design – Studebaker Road:
Studebaker Road currently has two drive lanes in each direction and a center turn lane with a median. North of the Adoree Street and Studebaker Road intersection, there are significantly fewer and less mature street trees, so the area is more exposed to the sun and vehicles. There are several bus stops on this short segment.
City Council August 6, 2024
2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games – High Value
Corridor Conceptual Design
Page No. 2
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1 The proposal for Studebaker Road removes parking in the southbound direction and adds a raised bake lane and a planted buffer on each side of the street (see attached Proposed High- Value Corridor Improvements – City of Norwalk).
Context and Proposed Design – Adoree Street:
Adoree Street does not provide a direct connection between the neighborhoods around Studebaker Road and the Metro C Line Station. Because of this, pedestrians and bicyclists at the intersection of Studebaker Road and Adoree Street currently must loop around the station, traveling over a ½ mile to access the C Line Station Platform.
The proposed design includes a multi-use path on the south side of the street to facilitate pedestrian and bicycle access to the Metro C Line Station, via a new connection (see Exhibit B).
Context and Proposed Design – Railroad Integration:
The railway intersecting Studebaker Road, just south of Nance Street, has an approximately 70’ right-of-way, which has underutilized space on the south side of the rail tracks. Ultimately connecting southern portions of the city, this right-of-way provides a key opportunity for pedestrian and bicycle use.
The proposed design carries forward and extends the City of Norwalk’s proposed Class I Bike Path identified in the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. A 15’ multi-use path would be introduced along the south side of the right-of-way for regional travel. Landscape buffers would provide shade and greenery. Improvements also include lighting and wayfinding (see attached Proposed High- Value Corridor Improvements – City of Norwalk).
The intersection of Studebaker Road and Adoree Street faces heavy traffic from the I-105 on- and off-ramps and would benefit from traffic calming and a pedestrian-first intersection design.
Improvements at this location include high visibility crossings, and no right turn on red signage.
On Studebaker Road, raised and protected bike lanes are recommended.
Fiscal Impact:
The 2028 Games High Value Corridors Conceptual Design can be used by local cities to seek funding, bundle projects, and track implementation along the key corridors.
Citizens Advised:
N/A
Strategic Plan 2023 Implementation:
N/A
City Council August 6, 2024
2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games – High Value
Corridor Conceptual Design
Page No. 3
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1 Recommended Action:
Staff recommends City Council receive and file the Proposed High Value Corridor Improvements for the City of Norwalk.
Attachments:
Proposed High Value Corridor Improvements - City of Norwalk