Los Angeles County has secured a record-breaking $29.81 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program. This funding is part of President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and represents the largest grant the county has received through this initiative. The grant will fund the implementation of critical pedestrian safety enhancements at intersections in unincorporated communities across the region.
This grant marks the third major award Los Angeles County received under the SS4A program. Previous awards included $21.49 million in 2022 for safety upgrades in Florence-Firestone and $3.95 million in 2023 for safety planning and demonstration projects in Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez and the Antelope Valley.
Improving Safety Across Communities
The latest grant will fund safety enhancements at over 70 critical locations in unincorporated communities like Altadena, East Los Angeles, Rowland Heights, Westmont/West Athens, and Willowbrook/West Rancho Dominguez. These improvements aim to protect pedestrians and include curb extensions, high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian-activated warning devices, refuge islands, and more.
“I am grateful to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their support in awarding Los Angeles County funding dedicated to enhancing street safety in unincorporated East Los Angeles and Rowland Heights,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis. “This crucial investment will not only improve our infrastructure but also play a vital role in implementing tailored solutions that address communities’ unique safety challenges. We are taking a significant step towards ensuring safer streets for all residents.”
Combating Street Racing and Reckless Driving
In addition to pedestrian safety, the grant will help support the installation of “Quick-build” solutions, such as raised curbs and barriers, to help deter street racing and reckless driving in unincorporated communities.
“I look forward to this significant investment helping to further actualize LA County’s Vision Zero plan, especially for our unincorporated communities impacted by illegal street racing and takeovers,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “Our ongoing work on this issue and community discussions on addressing reckless behavior on our streets make it clear that we cannot do this alone. This funding helps ensure we are doing everything in our power from an infrastructure perspective to make our roads safer for everyone.”
A Holistic Approach to Pedestrian Safety
The grant also enables the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to expand pedestrian planning in the East San Gabriel Valley and pilot a communications program focused in areas with high traffic fatality rates. This initiative emphasizes the connection between pedestrian safety and public health, particularly in underserved communities.
“Pedestrian safety is not just a traffic issue – it’s a public health concern that disproportionately affects marginalized communities,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the LA County Department of Public Health. “Addressing these inequities is a vital step toward improving public health outcomes and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background or zip code, can walk their streets safely.”
From 2019 to 2023, fatal collisions on unincorporated LA County roadways occurred at an alarming rate—one every four days, with 30 percent involving pedestrians. Many of the identified project locations lie along Vision Zero Collision Concentration Corridors, which have higher rates of pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Working Toward a Safer Future
Supervisor Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of these improvements in her district: “Keeping pedestrians safe and improving traffic safety are essential components that help keep our unincorporated regions thriving. In the Fifth District, Altadena residents have been vocal about their traffic safety concerns and I’ve been focused on helping identify community-driven solutions. I’m optimistic the work funded by the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program will help move the needle on reducing traffic deaths in Altadena and across the region.”
The SS4A program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supports local efforts to improve road safety through $5 billion in competitive grants over five years. This year alone, the USDOT has awarded over $1 billion to communities nationwide. For more information about the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website. To learn more about Los Angeles County’s Vision Zero initiative, visit Vision Zero – Los Angeles County.