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Mobility - ACTION ITEM - (1) Receive a Presentation and Discuss the National Blvd Engineering Study & Safety Improvements Project; and (2) Provide Direction to Staff.
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Meeting Date: September 29, 2026
Contact Person: Thomas Check - Public Works, Mobility & Traffic Engineering Division
Phone Number: (310) 253-5627
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Public Notice: E-Mail via GovDelivery (09/24/2026): Meetings and Agendas - Mobility Subcommittee; Notify Me - Construction, Street Maintenance and Closures; Stay Informed - Bicycle & Pedestrian / Culver CityBus / Construction Street Maintenance and Closures
Dept Approval: Nick Zornes, Acting Public Works Director (09/23/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
The Standing Mobility Subcommittee will receive a presentation and may discuss and provide staff feedback regarding planned studies and proposed improvements along National Blvd.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At their March 20, 2025, meeting, the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) agendized a discussion on safety concerns regarding National Blvd between Jefferson Blvd and Washington Blvd.
Particular emphasis was placed on the intersection of National Blvd & Wesley St where pedestrians have been killed. That intersection also experiences significant bicycle/pedestrian traffic due to the adjacent Turning Point school at the southwest corner of the intersection and access to the Expo Bike Path that runs parallel to National Blvd on the north side. Such traffic is expected to increase with construction of a proposed park under the Expo Line, as well as the newly installed artwork at the corner of National and Washington.
The BPAC discussion also focused on the sidewalk along the south side of National Blvd, which is relatively narrow and difficult to maneuver, in part because of utility installations along the street. Also, the Committee discussed measures that could be implemented to help deter speeding on National Blvd.
BPAC’s discussion highlighted the desire to investigate what changes could be made to the street and sidewalks to improve safety and enhance the pedestrian and bicyclist experience generally. The Committee has also formed a subcommittee dedicated to advocating for improvements.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
As part of the FY 2026-27 Budget, the City Council allocated $350,000 to a National Blvd Engineering Study & Safety Improvements CIP. The purpose of the CIP is to investigate the existing infrastructure along National Blvd, study parking and traffic conditions, and develop a set of recommended improvements to the street, sidewalk, and intersections that could be implemented immediately and inform future budget requests for design and construction.
Staff are seeking Subcommittee’s input on what improvements, such as new crosswalks and widened sidewalks, they recommend be considered and proposed. Staff presented this same item at the September 17, 2026, BPAC meeting and received a variety of requests and recommendations.
New Park Facility
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is proposing a new park, tentatively titled Expo Park, to be installed along the west side of National Blvd, starting at Wesley St, under the Expo Line.
The park design concept is funded by a $100,000 allocation added by City Council to the FY 2026-27 Budget. Grants for design and construction funding are being researched.
Although early in the planning stages, community meetings to be scheduled for late 2026, staff is including this park concept plan at this time because it will inform the studies and traffic and pedestrian safety measures explored and implemented along National Blvd. Installation of a new park in that location will impact pedestrian traffic across National Blvd and parking in the area.
The Subcommittee may discuss the park generally, however, its impact on the National Blvd studies and safety measures is the primary focus. Park features and design details will be explored at a later time.
ATTACHMENTS
• 2026-09-17-ATT-BPAC-ExpoPark-Concept
FISCAL IMPACT
City Council allocated $350,000 to a National Blvd Engineering Study & Safety Improvements CIP in FY 2026-07. Required studies will use the majority of this allocated budget. Some limited improvements may be made in the current fiscal year, however, significant construction will require future budget allocations.
recommended action
MOTION(S)
The Standing Mobility Subcommittee will:
• Receive a presentation and discuss planned studies and proposed improvements along National Blvd; and
• Provide direction to staff.