Maximizing Mobility

The 1998 Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) “Record of Decision” (ROD) for the State Route 710 Freeway Extension stipulated that Caltrans establish Design Advisory Groups (DAGs) in the affected area (Los Angeles, Alhambra, South Pasadena, and Pasadena) to consider the specific community mitigation needs of their community regarding the mandated interim 710 improvements.

Also in 1998, then-Congressman James Rogan was successful in including funding for interim 710 improvements from the federal transportation funding bill. Of the total $46 million allocation, $10.5 million was provided to South Pasadena. Amplified by $2.7 million from the State of California, $1.2 million from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, (Metro) and nearly $200,000 from the City of South Pasadena, a total budget of $14.5 million was appropriated for regional traffic improvement projects in South Pasadena.

At the end of a public participation process the South Pasadena DAG identified four "Maximizing Mobility" projects to be constructed:

Orange Grove Avenue/SR-110 Interchange Improvements

Signalization of the SR-110 interchange at Orange Grove Avenue and new landscaped median to Columbia Street

Expanded Northbound off-ramp and new Southbound on-ramp for the SR-110 Freeway at Fair Oaks Avenue.

Fair Oaks Avenue
Signal Synchronization

New traffic signal controllers and synchronization on Fair Oaks Avenue to improve traffic flow.

Fair Oaks Avenue
Street Improvements

A series of small projects to improve pedestrian safety and traffic movement along Fair Oaks Avenue.

Current Status of Projects:
The Orange Grove Avenue/SR-110 improvements- Completed in 2006.
The Fair Oaks Avenue/SR-110 Interchange Improvements- Design and Approval Stage.
Fair Oaks Avenue Signal Synchronization- Completed and is awaiting integration with the regional traffic network.
Fair Oak Avenue Street Improvements- Design Complete.