-Visioning Program For 2020-
Chapter 3
TRANSPORTATION: HOW WE GET AROUND

Transportation was largely viewed from three perspectives: first, how best to keep increasing traffic from disrupting neighborhood life; second, how to increase overall mobility within the city, and third, how to address the continuing increase in traffic congestion on nearby freeways.

Traffic and Neighborhood Life
The increase in traffic congestion and noise is seen as a direct result of unwanted growth and its impact on neighborhood life. Some complain that many secondary roads have become more like primary routes as motorists seek ways around congestion. Traffic calming measures and better enforcement of posted highway speeds were suggested as ways of reducing traffic speeds through neighborhoods. Some identified specific traffic problems on a number of streets and suggested a variety of solutions, including lower speed limits on streets like Cameron and Pacific Lanes (reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph).

Heavy traffic near neighborhood schools is of particular concern. Some call for establishment of a "safe passage way" program for school children, requiring a partnership between the city council and local schools. Such a program would identify shortcuts now taken by students and would install speed bumps, crosswalks, and stop signs where needed.

Improving Mobility to Integrate the City
Many expressed a desire for transportation improvements that would make it easier for residents to move about and reach destinations outside their neighborhoods. Such changes should be designed to facilitate integration within a city now seen as physically disconnected by a road network no longer fitting current mobility needs. For this reason, many called for more north-south and east-west corridors to help knit the city together. Some were skeptical, asserting vacant land for such a purpose simply no longer existed. Others suggested the potential of turning Azusa Avenue into a parkway or freeway corridor. Signal synchronization should be studied to improve traffic circulation within the city.

Others complained there are too few alternatives to the car. For this reason, they suggested redesigning and increasing the number of shuttle routes so they can function more effectively as community circulators. Encourage bicycling, not just for recreational purposes but to meet a variety of needs by constructing bike lanes that serve shopping areas and other destinations. Finally, many wanted to enhance the appearance of public walkways and make them more pedestrian-friendly. All such improvements should comply with ADA requirements.

Traffic and Community
Increasing congestion on the I-10 and 605 freeways and the resulting long commute times were seen as undermining community life. Residents who work outside the city have less time and energy to contribute to their community. This problem was seen as contributing to the desire for a more self-contained city, one in which residents could meet all their needs (employment, shopping, entertainment, etc.) without having to leave West Covina.

Many thought there was an opportunity for West Covina to take a leadership role by forming regional partnerships to work with other nearby cities and public agencies in an effort to develop solutions to freeway congestion. In particular, the City should work with Caltrans to improve the 10 Freeway by upgrading the intersection with the 605 Freeway and work with the MTA and Foothill Transit to extend the El Monte Busway.

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