SANTA MONICA—Starting on Monday, November 16, four temporary crossing guards have been assigned by the city of Santa Monica to be at the corner of Michigan and 7th Street during peak school drop off and pick up times.
The Samohi Safe Routes Improvements project is part of the City of Santa Monica’s School Routes for Safety program. The project is to improve foot, bicycle, skateboard and vehicle traffic, as well as safety in the school area. The changes include permanent one-way sections of two streets, a new street light, and a regulated turn lane.
According to a public notice from the City, Michigan Avenue, between Lincoln Boulevard and 7th Street, is one-way westbound. Seventh Street, between Michigan Avenue and Pico Boulevard, is one-way southbound. The new traffic signal is on the 7th Street and Pico Boulevard intersection. At the intersection of 7th Street and Pico, a left turn from Pico to go east on Lincoln can be made.
During construction, crossing guards were assigned during peak school hours. When the street design was completed, the crossing guards were discontinued according to a news release from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
The school district is working with the City and the Santa Monica Police Department for a permanent solution.
“We have met with City and police department leaders to address parent safety concerns and have been assured that they are working diligently to come up with permanent solutions to ease congestion and provide a safe route for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles during peak school hours,” said Superintendent Sandra Lyon said.
“We appreciate the temporary crossing guards while a permanent solution is considered as student safety is our top priority.”
