Pico jammin' up
Pico wants to construct two new traffic signals at some busy intersections to relieve traffic jams and improve safety, according Whittier Daily News reporter Airan Scruby. Here are some exerpts from her story.
New lights will be installed at Loch Alene Avenue and Washington Boulevard, near El Rancho High School and Rivera Middle School, and at Rosemead Boulevard at the entrance to the Pico Rivera Marketplace.
Councilman David Armenta said he is especially concerned about school safety.
"The light at Loch Alene and Washington is needed, especially in the morning and after school," Armenta said.
The Loch Alene Avenue signal will be a four-way stoplight, while the Rosemead signal will be a three-way stoplight, both with needed left-turn pockets. The city also will install sidewalks along the Loch Alene area for students walking to school.
According to City Manager Chuck Fuentes, the signals should be installed and working by this fall, and plans will be drawn up for the project in the next few weeks.
Scruby's story cites the design phase will cost a little over $15,000. But residents can expect the lights to cost far more. A full-blown traffic light isn't cheap - we're talking six-figures - upwards of $200,000, according to research I've done for other stories. I've also heard that figure thrown around the newsroom several times when other reporters have done similar stories.