Wilshire Boulevard Safety Analysis and Design

Project Summary

When the Toole Design Team conducted a safety analysis of Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, we found that 60% of fatal and severe injury crashes involved pedestrians. To address this concerning statistic and save the lives of people walking in Santa Monica, we collaborated with the City to develop a phased design approach for a safer corridor. 

We led a year-long engagement process involving neighborhood and school groups and other stakeholders to ensure the measures we took would meet everyone’s needs. Our outreach included public meetings, on-street canvassing, and a comprehensive digital campaign. Based on the safety analysis and community input, we developed conceptual designs for the first phase of safety improvements. 

The phase one designs, implemented in Summer 2023, included right-turn-only restrictions at 14 unsignalized intersections, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, curb extensions with paint and bollards, and red bus stop zones. While future phases of this project will continue to make Wilshire Boulevard a safer place to walk in Santa Monica, our quick-build approach to phase one helped the City make a safety impact as soon as possible and lay the foundation for more modifications and improvements to come. 

Expertise Applied

• Safety and Vision Zero
• Corridor Studies
• Roadway and Street Design