Looking to make a San Gabriel Valley intersection safer, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a recommendation to authorize an on-call traffic signal and safety construction contract.

The goal is to modify an existing traffic signal in the unincorporated community of Covina Islands, a small area surrounded by the cities of Covina, Azusa and Glendora.

The traffic safety project, located at the Arrow Highway at the Lark Ellen Avenue Project, will install a left-turn phasing to an existing traffic signal at the intersection of Arrow Highway and Lark Ellen, officials said.

An “on-call” traffic signal is designed to change based on real-time traffic conditions. They often use sensors to detect vehicles.

Given the frequent usage and volume of pedestrians and cars at this intersection, the installation of the proposed modification would provide for the orderly movement of traffic and can reduce in the frequency and severity of some collisions, according to Supervisor Hilda Solis’ office.

The Department of Public Works has implemented various traffic safety programs to increase mobility, minimize congestion, and improve safety for roadway users.

The board approved a letter by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works recommending the authorization.

The proposed Arrow Highway at Lark Ellen Project is estimated to cost $1.8 million and will support 12 jobs.

“In 2020, the County Board of Supervisors approved Vision Zero, is an initiative to eliminate fatalities and severe injuries on our unincorporated streets by improving our infrastructure, in addition to other strategies” said Solis in a statement. “These projects are important to support as they provide critical safety, traffic control and ease of walkability for our driving residents and pedestrians.”

The project is anticipated to start construction in March and scheduled to be completed in August.