Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing at U.S. 101 Upgrade or Removal 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.
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. 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.
Caltrans seeks community input to determine whether to demolish the bridge permanently, keep it and instead provide upgrades, or neither demolish or upgrade the bridge. The Department is offering multiple ways to provide feedback, including an online survey and two in-person opportunities to talk with project team members. Please see more info below.
Online survey. Visit tinyurl.com/ywz4s5hp. While the survey is being hosted via Google Forms, a Gmail account is not necessary to submit responses.
In person. Balboa Sports Center, 17015 Burbank Blvd., March 18 from 10 a.m. – noon (Park in the south parking lot off of Burbank Boulevard and head toward the main building. Look for the blue Caltrans canopy and table along the main pathway.)
In person. Westmark School, 5461 Louise Ave., Feb. 28 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Enter the school through the front entrance.)
Please feel free to stop by at any point over the course of each two-hour, in-person availability. Project team members will be available to answer questions. There will also be comment cards to share your thoughts, should you prefer to do so in person rather than virtually.
Examples of Potential Upgrades
There are multiple ways to increase the safety and beauty of this community 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
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 and dirt 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/ywz4s5hp
Contact
Allison Colburn, (213) 200-8694, allison.colburn@dot.ca.gov
Samantha Teves, (213) 793-9669, samantha.teves@dot.ca.gov
Caltrans and the City of Los Angeles are both involved in planning efforts in the Encino area. The City is seeking input for a vision plan for Louise Avenue north of the 101. You can complete a survey at bit.ly/cd4louisesurvey or email contactCD4@lacity.org for more details.
In addition, the City is seeking input on its Sepulveda Basin Vision Plan. You can learn more at bit.ly/sepulvedabasinvp or by emailing eng.sbvp@lacity.org.