Officials Take Steps to Slow Traffic on Hazardous Street
The city’s Department of Transportation agreed Wednesday to take measures to slow traffic along a Highland Park street where a young boy was killed Friday by a car.
In a meeting with Councilman Richard Alatorre’s chief of staff, Hilary Norton, transportation officials said they would add a left-hand turn lane and more school zone signs along Figueroa Street in the next month.
Officials also are considering the installation of traffic barriers, zebra-striping on the crosswalks and flashing yellow caution lights along the hilly street.
A car jumped a curb on the street Friday and plowed into a group of children eating ice cream. Matthew Ruiz, 6, was killed and four other children were injured.
Angry residents, who have complained about the traffic for years, submitted a petition with 650 signatures Wednesday asking the city to help make the busy street safer.
Transportation officials have denied Alatorre’s request for a traffic signal, saying the street does not meet the necessary guidelines.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.