The section of El Monte Avenue set for redesign stretches from El Camino Real to Springer Road and Jay Street, close to the border of a neighboring city. Additionally, safety enhancements are planned for two critical intersections on El Camino Real: one at Escuela Avenue and another at El Monte Avenue itself. The urgency behind these changes stems from past incidents, including a fatal pedestrian accident in April at Escuela Avenue and El Camino Real, as well as a similar tragedy in 2015 at El Monte Avenue and Marich Way.
At present, El Monte Avenue consists of four lanes—two vehicle lanes in each direction—accompanied by bike lanes. The city is proposing a road diet that would reduce these to three lanes: one lane in each direction and a central median for left turns. Buffered bike lanes and high-visibility pedestrian crosswalks are part of the proposed improvements. In addition, "refuge islands" are being considered for key intersections like Hollingsworth Drive to allow pedestrians a safer place to wait mid-crossing.
The refuge islands have drawn mixed reactions. Some residents believe these islands may not provide the expected safety benefits. A longtime resident of Hollingsworth Drive voiced concern that the islands could dilute the road diet’s effectiveness and recommended alternatives like stop signs or pedestrian-activated crossing signals instead.
Further safety upgrades are proposed at the intersections of Escuela Avenue and El Monte Avenue along El Camino Real. These improvements would include clearer crosswalks, new traffic signals, and removal of a high-speed turn slip lane that currently allows eastbound El Camino Real traffic to bypass a red light while turning onto El Monte Avenue. Residents pointed out recurring dangers at the exit of a nearby shopping center, where drivers struggle with limited visibility and awkward angles while turning onto El Camino or navigating Escuela Avenue.
Frequent near-miss incidents involving both drivers and pedestrians were cited as reasons for more urgent action. Cars turning left from Escuela onto El Camino, or right from the shopping center lot, were identified as particular hazards. Observers emphasized that the visibility at these exits makes it difficult for drivers to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians, especially during peak hours.
To address these concerns, committee members recommended implementing a protected left-turn lane at the shopping center exit and enhancing curb protections at intersections. There were also calls to address ongoing issues with motorists parking in bike lanes, despite earlier improvements to El Camino Real. Additional infrastructure, such as protective bollards, was proposed to keep bike lanes clear and safe.
A suggestion was also made to narrow the excessively wide northbound lane on Escuela Avenue, which currently measures 18 feet. Reducing the lane width would free up space for a new bicycle lane on the opposite side of the street. Committee members also proposed conducting a traffic speed study following construction completion. The current 35 mph speed limit on El Monte Avenue could be reconsidered if new road conditions warrant a lower limit for enhanced pedestrian safety.
According to city staff, any potential speed limit change must wait until after the full set of road improvements has been implemented. The final design for the El Monte Avenue and El Camino Real safety project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.
This initiative represents a significant shift in how urban streets are designed, aiming to balance efficient traffic flow with safer environments for non-motorized users. The overarching goal is not just to prevent future tragedies but to create streets where walking and cycling are viable and safe modes of transportation for all. As planning moves ahead, ongoing public feedback and coordination with relevant agencies will remain essential to shaping a final design that truly meets the community's needs.
