The San Rafael Neighborhood Association Wants to Improve Safety at 134 Onramp

The San Rafael Neighborhood Association (SRNA) has suggested three traffic mitigation options to Caltrans in response to work on the 134 freeway.

Earlier this month, Caltrans presented a SR 134 Bridge Barrier Project update at Councilmember Madison’s town hall meeting.

Work on the project has been ongoing since January. 

The project was initiated to improve traffic safety and bring the concrete sidewalls up to state safety standards. 

The current sidewalls are about 18 inches high and not in compliance with safety standards. 

The new sidewalls will be three feet high and compliant with California safety standards. 

“This project will replace and upgrade the existing bridge railings at the Arroyo Seco Bridge and a portion of the adjacent Orange Grove Boulevard On-Ramp Overcrossing on State Route 134 (SR 134) within the City of Pasadena,” according to a Caltrans document. “The upgrades are necessary to comply with current federal safety standards.” 

The work will include upgrading the existing concrete barrier, replacing lighting, and providing aesthetic improvements that complement the character of the surrounding community.

The construction is expected to continue for approximately one year.

Members of SRNA have suggested three options to improve safety at the Colorado onramp. 

Under one recommendation the traffic meter would be on at all times or a stop sign would be installed. The option is intended to reduce the risk of rear end collision as cars are attempting merge onto the 134.

Other ideas suggested by the group include designating the right lane as an “Exit Only” lane on eastbound 134 starting at Figueroa. This is intended to reduce the volume of traffic in the right lane as cars attempt to merge onto the freeway from the entrance ramp and installing signage on the car-pool lane advising drivers seeking to exit at San Rafael Avenue, Orange Grove Boulevard or to the 210, to exit the car-pool lane at an earlier car-pool exit. This is intended to reduce the number of cars rapidly crossing the 134 in the area of construction.

Caltrans is reviewing the viability of the suggestions and recommendations will continue to meet with Caltrans and Pasadena officials, to advocate for improved safety at the entrance ramp during construction and thereafter.

Construction is scheduled to take at least a year.