U.S. 101 Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing and Louise Avenue Overcrossing Improvements Project
The Project
Caltrans plans to enhance pedestrian access across U.S. 101 and is seeking input from the community regarding the pedestrian bridge at Amestoy Avenue. This project also includes improvements to the Louise Avenue Overcrossing.
Background
As part of the department's goal to provide safe transportation options that also complement the unique character of each community we serve, Caltrans is analyzing pedestrian connectivity across U.S. 101 in the Encino neighborhood.
Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing
Currently, the neighborhood has one crossing point that can only be used by non-motorists, the pedestrian bridge at Amestoy Avenue. All other pedestrian crossing points are via sidewalks along street overpasses and underpasses. The nearest crossing points from the Amestoy bridge are about a quarter of a mile to the east at Balboa Boulevard and a quarter of a mile to the west at Louise Avenue.
The Amestoy Avenue bridge serves the north-south route between community facilities, such as the Balboa Sports Center, and the businesses and schools along and near Ventura Boulevard.
Since its construction in 1958, the Amestoy Avenue bridge has aged considerably and no longer meets certain standards. Aside from needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades to the pedestrian ramps, the bridge railing and fencing have also rusted and are in need of replacement. In addition, certain aesthetic elements could be improved to better match the character of the surrounding community. Those could include upgrades to landscaping, lighting and fencing, among other options.
The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has expressed official support in favor of maintaining the pedestrian crossing at Amestoy Avenue. LADOT's Transportation Planning & Policy division conducted a connectivity analysis to measure the impacts of removing the pedestrian bridge, and found its removal would greatly impact connectivity to hundreds of jobs for thousands of Encino residents, as well as impacting access to one school. LADOT has recommended "maintaining the bridge to avoid disrupting connectivity and creating new inequity and safety issues."
Louise Avenue Overcrossing
The Louise Avenue Overcrossing has similarly received no modifications or upgrades since its construction in 1958. Bridge inspections have identified a need to upgrade the bridge railings to meet current standards, as well as improvements to curb ramps to meet ADA standards. In addition, the project proposes to install Class II bike lanes, as well as decorative lighting to enhance the safety and visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists
Public Engagement
Caltrans seeks community input on potential upgrades to the Amestoy Avenue bridge. Louise Avenue Overcrossing will also be improved.
The Department is currently open to community feedback through an online survey.
Please see more information below.
Online Survey
Visit tinyurl.com/amestoybridgesurvey. While the survey is being hosted via Microsoft Forms, an account is not required to submit responses. Benefits
Louise Avenue Overcrossing
The purpose of this project is to upgrade the Louse Avenue Overcrossing bridge railing and sidewalk to meet current standards and ADA compliance, as well as to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Proposed improvements include:
· Replacing existing bridge railings with standard chain link railing
· New ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps
· Installing decorative pedestrian lighting to enhance safety and visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists
· Adding Class II bikeways on the northbound and southbound lanes of the overcrossing
Amestoy Avenue Overcrossing - Potential Upgrades
There are multiple ways to increase the safety and beauty of the Amestoy Avenue facility. Some of the various features that Caltrans is proposing include:
· New ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps
· Installing decorative pedestrian lighting along the bridge and bridge entrances to enhance safety
o Lighting along the bridge will be safely configured to avoid glare spots for motorists
· Xeriscaping around bridge entrances. This type of landscaping includes installing drought-tolerant features, such as plants that require less irrigation than is typical. (e.g. succulents, cacti) This could also include replacing grass, dirt, and overgrown shrubs with decorative rocks.
· Replacing the existing chain link fencing with decorative fencing. This would include the fencing that surrounds the bridge as well as the fencing along the bridge railing.
If there are any features that you might want to see, please submit your thoughts in our online survey: tinyurl.com/amestoybridgesurvey
Schedule
Spring 2028 to Summer 2029.
Project Materials
Louise Ave & Amestoy Ave Bridge Improvements 2025 Presentation