Pedestrian Improvements at Six Schools
Project Overview
The City of Santa Monica is implementing a pedestrian safety improvement project around six schools: Edison Language Academy, SMASH, John Muir, McKinley Elementary, Grant Elementary, and Franklin Elementary. This project is part of our ongoing commitment to enhance public safety and accessibility in our community.
Focused on critical infrastructure improvements, the project aims to address pedestrian safety concerns and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The enhancements are designed to benefit students, school staff, and residents who use these routes regularly.
Key improvements include:
- Curb Extensions: Planned at high-traffic intersections near the schools to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and improve visibility between pedestrians and motorists.
- ADA Curb Ramps: Installation of ADA-compliant curb ramps will facilitate easier sidewalk access, promoting inclusivity and mobility for all pedestrians, especially those with disabilities.
- Crosswalk Renewals: Existing crosswalks will be refreshed to ensure they are clearly visible and provide safe passage for pedestrians.
This initiative reflects the City of Santa Monica's dedication to creating a safer pedestrian environment in our school zones and enhancing the quality of life for all Santa Monica residents.
Background
In spring 2017, as part of the City’s Safe Routes To School program, staff conducted walk audits in partnership with students, parents, and faculty at six schools: McKinley Elementary, Edison Language Academy, Santa Monica Alternative Schoolhouse (SMASH), John Muir Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Grant Elementary. The audits involved a walking tour of key access routes to and from each of the schools. Audit participants then identified safety concerns and developed an improvement plan for each school to address barriers to walking and biking. In October 2018, the SRTS Walk Audit Report was released and includes preliminary recommendations including, but not limited to, curb extensions, curb ramp improvements, new or improved crosswalks, installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), pavement markings and signage enhancements, enhanced bicycle accommodations, lighting enhancements, and modifications to on-street parking and short-term loading regulations to better facilitate school pick-up and drop-off needs. The SRTS Pedestrian Improvements at Six Schools Project refines and advances the recommendations identified for the six schools in the 2018 SRTS Walk Audit Report.
Construction is currently scheduled to begin Summer 2024
Project Materials/Downloads
Other Safe Routes to School Projects
Pedestrian Improvements at Four Schools