Norwalk looks to improve safety at 105/Studebaker intersection

The Norwalk City Council hears updates on safety improvements at the frequent crash site of the 105 Freeway and Studebaker Road intersection during their meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK — The Norwalk City Council listened as Ozzie Ramos, the director of public safety, updated them on efforts to improve safety and traffic concerns at the 105 Freeway and Studebaker Road intersection during their meeting on Tuesday.

The intersection is a frequent crash site with an average of approximately three yearly accidents from 2019 to 2022.

Collisions have increased this year, with 10 accidents reported year-to-date, and nine out of 10 collisions occurred between 10 pm and 3 am, according to Ramos’ data.

Ramos met with engineers from the California Department of Transportation, officials from Metrolink and law enforcement on Aug. 7 to start creating a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the well-being of residents and commuters.

Ramos explained his short-term initiatives to improve the intersection would need to be led by Caltrans, as the department controls part of the intersection.

Ramos gave Caltrans 60 days to install flags flashing beacons on top of existing and wave freeway signs, installation of thermal rumble strips on the freeway, installation of a reflective edging on the signals and LED lights around the reflective diamond size at the off-ramp at the 105.

“The most important one illuminating the intersection,” Ramos said. “We all know that the intersection is controlled by Caltrans, but we’re not going to wait and we’re going to do our part today.”

The lighting is temporary until the city can increase lighting at the intersection.

Councilmember Rick Ramirez expressed the additional fixtures will make it clear to drivers to stop.

“It almost looks like a DUI checkpoint. That will definitely get the attention that there’s something ahead and they need to stop,” Ramirez said.

Vice Mayor Margarita Rios inquired about the lighting impact on the surrounding neighborhood and if repainting the intersection lanes was possible.

“Traffic travels in different directions, so I wonder if illuminated lines were drawn, so that the vehicles know that they need to turn, you know, in either direction,” Rios said.

Ramos explained the city is communicating with neighbors in that community to determine the lighting impact in the efforts to improve the intersection.

He encouraged his staff and the residents to have open communication so the city can do everything in its power to meet the community’s needs.