DOWNEY – Over the course of the last two years, the City of Downey has been diligently planning the much needed street improvements along the Firestone Boulevard corridor, from Old River School Road to Brookshire Avenue. The Firestone Boulevard enhancements will improve infrastructure capacity, safety and beautification. Through the guidance and leadership of the Downey City Council and Downtown Subcommittee members, Councilman Roger Brossmer and Councilman Mario Guerra, the implementation of their vision is taking shape.

During the initial planning stages of the Firestone Boulevard Improvement Project, as part of an extensive public outreach program, City staff worked very closely with local businesses and members of the community to discuss the traffic related issues along Firestone Boulevard and determine how to best accommodate the daily traffic volume of nearly 40,000 vehicles. Ultimately, it was agreed that adding a third traffic lane in each direction and installing new median islands along Firestone Boulevard would enhance traffic movement and safety.

One of the most important aspects of this project is the planned improvements along Firestone Boulevard in the Downtown area, between Myrtle Street and Dolan Avenue, to create an inviting public place for visitors and pedestrians. These improvements include decorative colored pavers, benches, decorative lighting and complementary landscaped features. One of the most exciting and unique features of this project will be the Downtown Downey Gateway Monuments, which will be installed at the four corners of Firestone Boulevard and Downey Avenue.

In October 2013, construction on the Firestone Boulevard Improvement Project started by upgrading the storm drain and potable water systems. The concrete improvement phase of the project started on March 3, 2014 and will be completed by June 30, 2014. The planned concrete improvements include removal of the existing median islands, sidewalk, curb and gutter, and driveways, as well as construction of new median islands, decorative sidewalks and concrete seat-walls in the Downtown area.

As the construction activities continue, other phases of work including electrical and decorative street lighting improvements, landscape and irrigation improvements, pavement rehabilitation (night work), and installation of site furnishings, will take place. It should be noted that in order to minimize the inconvenience caused by the construction activities, the pavement work will be completed during the night. The Firestone Boulevard Improvement Project is expected to be substantially complete by October 2014.

Mayor Fernando Vasquez stated, “I’m looking forward to seeing the project take shape and kindly ask businesses to please be patient during the process. I understand that the businesses will be impacted by the construction, but we could all agree that Firestone Boulevard needs a vast improvement. When the project is complete, it will be exciting to see the transformation of Firestone Boulevard.”

For questions or more information, please feel free to contact the City’s Project Engineer, Mr. Desi Gutierrez at (562) 622-3468.

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Published: March 20, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 49