Councilmember Powers-on Traffic Light in Los Feliz

Councilmember Tom LaBonge and members of the Los Feliz community met at the corner of Finley and Hillhurst avenues to turn on a much-needed new traffic light on Tuesday. The community had been asking for the new four-way traffic light in answer to complaints of speeding motorists and accidents at the intersection.
“I’m thankful to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for funding and installing this necessary light,” Councilmember LaBonge said. “This will make this intersection much safer for drivers and pedestrians in Los Feliz."
Councilmember LaBonge worked out a creative solution to pedestrian safety at this intersection by seeking funding for the traffic light from the CRA.
Representatives from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) and Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA) also spoke at the ceremony.
“CRA/LA is pleased to partner with other City departments to fund traffic lights and other street improvements in the East Hollywood neighborhood,” said Leslie Lambert, Regional Administrator for the CRA/LA’s Hollywood and Central Region. “The lights will improve the traffic flow in the community and make the area safer for pedestrians.”
"LADOT is pleased to have participated in the construction of this new traffic signal so that Los Feliz residents and visitors alike can cross at Finley and Hillhurst Avenues safely," said Rita L. Robinson, General Manager.
The addition of the light will remove the uncontrolled crosswalk at Clarissa Avenue on Hillhurst Avenue where six pedestrians have reported being hit by motorists. There have been a reported 31 accidents at the intersection of Finley Avenue and Hillhurst Avenue since 2000. Three pedestrians were struck at that intersection since 2000.
Promotional items for the “Watch the Road” campaign, first introduced in 2004 by Mayor James Hahn, were provided to attending members of the community. “Watch the Road” informs motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians about "good roadway user" behaviors to save lives and improve traffic mobility. LADOT is a coalition member of the program.