On August 20, the California Transportation Commission chose the City of Duarte to receive a $1,645,000 grant as part of the 2014 Active Transportation Program (ATP/SRS2). The application was submitted as a First Mile Last Mile pilot program supported by Los Angeles Metro (Metro). The City will use the majority of the funds for a pedestrian walkway along the north side of Duarte Road between the Gold Line Station and Mountain Avenue. The project will include the design and construction of a sidewalk, pedestrian and bicycle level lighting, and landscaping.
Funds will also be used for: bike lane installation on Highland Avenue and Duarte Road; city-wide way finding signs to provide directional signs to important city locations; and the closure of sidewalk gaps that currently making access to the Gold Line station difficult or hazardous. Improvements are expected to be completed in conjunction with the opening of the Gold Line rail system.
The new state 2014 Active Transportation Program was created through legislation (SB99 and AB101) designed to promote alternative forms of transportation, such as walking and biking. This program consolidates various federal and state funding sources into the 2014 ATP and will be administrated by CalTrans. METRO’s First Mile Last Mile program aims to better coordinate infrastructure investments in light rail and bus rapid transit areas to extend the reach of transit, with the ultimate goal of increasing ridership.
Completion of these major corridor improvements will help to complete connections to transit and other major activity centers, thus improving mobility within the local area and to regions beyond. Increased bicycle and pedestrian usage will promote physical activity, enhance public health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle emissions.
About the City of Duarte
The City of Duarte was incorporated on August 22, 1957. With integrity and transparency, the City provides exemplary public services in a caring and fiscally responsible manner with a commitment to our community’s future. For more information visit www.accessduarte.com or call (626) 357-7931. Follow the City of Duarte on Twitter @CityofDuarte.