Broadway safety improvements underway

May 20, 2026 3:31 PM
by Jacqui Swartz

Updates are currently underway on Broadway from Ocean Avenue to 26th Street that will make traveling through one of Santa Monica’s busiest east-west bicycle routes safer, smoother, and easier for everyone. From protected bike lanes to upgraded crosswalks and improved mobility access, these enhancements are designed to create a street that is safe for walking, biking, taking transit, and driving.

Construction is currently taking place between 9th Street and 26th Street. Residents and visitors will see a smooth repaved roadway, protected bike lanes, upgraded intersections, pedestrian beacons, bus and bike-only lanes, updated signage, and parking/loading changes throughout the corridor. Construction is expected to be completed by late summer 2026.

This project is part of Santa Monica’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries while building a safe, comfortable, and connected network for people of all ages and abilities.

Planned safety improvements on Broadway

These upgrades are designed to improve visibility, reduce conflicts, and help everyone move more safely along the corridor.

Narrower travel lanes

Travel lane widths will be reduced to 10 feet along most of Broadway, and the center turn lane will be removed in many areas to create space for the protected bikeway. Narrower lanes help calm traffic, reduce speeding, and provide space for a variety of travel modes.

Bus and bike-only lanes

From Ocean Avenue to 5th Street (westbound only), red-painted lanes will be reserved for buses and bicyclists to improve transit reliability and create a safer space for people biking. Driving, parking, or loading in these lanes is prohibited except where signs indicate turning access is allowed.

No right on red

“No Right on Red” signs will be installed at all downtown scramble crosswalks and several Broadway intersections (6th, 7th, 11th, 14th, and 26th Streets) to reduce conflicts between turning vehicles and people walking or biking. Drivers must wait for a green signal before turning right.

Daylighting

Parking near intersections, driveways, and alleys will be set back further to improve visibility and sight lines, giving everyone more time to react and reducing potential conflicts.

Bike boxes and two-stage turn boxes

Bike boxes and two-stage turn boxes will be installed at 5th, 6th, 7th, 11th, 14th, and 26th Streets to provide dedicated waiting areas for bicyclists and scooter users turning left, improving visibility and reducing conflicts with turning vehicles. Drivers should stop behind the white line and keep bike boxes clear.

Bike detection

Bike stencils have been added to the pavement at signalized intersections behind the white line/stop bar to indicate where bicyclists and scooter users should wait to be detected by the signal camera to get the green light. And as of January 2024, bicyclists are also allowed to cross the street on a pedestrian WALK signal, per AB 1909 unless otherwise directed by a bicycle signal.

Traffic calming and protected intersections

Rubber speed wedges and pavement markings will help slow turning vehicles and improve pedestrian safety. A new protected corner island at 26th Street will better separate bikes from vehicle traffic and strengthen connections to the 26th Street protected bikeway, Metro E Line, Expo Bike Path, and other bike routes.

Pedestrian flashing beacons

New pedestrian flashing beacons and refreshed crosswalks will be added at 9th, 15th, 18th, and 19th Streets to improve visibility and crossing safety.

What to expect during construction

Because improvements are being installed in phases, temporary striping and partial installations will appear before the project is fully complete. Traffic patterns may shift, temporary no-parking zones may be posted, and travel could be slower at times as people adjust to the new street layout.

We understand that changes to familiar streets can take time to get used to, and we appreciate the community’s patience as construction continues and new features are introduced along Broadway. Learn more and follow construction updates at Broadway Safety Project.

Authored By

Jacqui Swartz
Transportation Planning Associate

Authored By

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