DOWNEY — Downey’s City Council approved plans Tuesday for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and De Palma Street.

Following the completion of raised median islands in the vicinity of Warren High School, it was decided by the city – and in concert with the Downey Unified School District – that a new traffic light could enhance overall safety and operation efficiency.

It is believed that the signalization of the intersection would reduce the likelihood of collisions, facilitate pedestrian movement across Paramount and De Palma, force gaps in the northbound Paramount traffic stream, thus allowing for more opportunities for southbound left turns at De Palma and the Warren driveway intersection, and improve the progression of traffic northbound on Paramount. 

In addition, an emergency signal will also be installed on Paramount at the Fire Station 1 driveway in order to enhance overall traffic safety at the location to provide gaps to allow fire vehicles to safely egress the station when responding to emergencies.

The plans were approved 4-0, with Councilman Sean Ashton abstaining due to the proximity of his home to one of the projects.