San Gabriel Valley drivers and pedestrians will soon experience faster trips and safer crossings thanks to two major County signal synchronization projects. These signal synchronization efforts focus on key corridors in El Monte and East Los Angeles, aiming to cut traffic delays, lower emissions and protect those on foot.
Signal synchronization improves safety
The Board of Supervisors recently approved the $3.33 million Peck Road Traffic Signal Synchronization Program, which will align and modernize lights from Hemlock Street to Workman Mill Road. El Monte leads contributions with $1.92 million; Industry and South El Monte add $236,100 and $548,800. The County provides $2.28 million in Proposition C discretionary and local return funds. Upgrades include high-visibility crosswalks, caountdown timers and accessible push-button signals near schools and transit stops. County traffic studies forecast up to a 20 percent reduction in stops, easing congestion along the busy commercial and residential corridor. Construction is set to begin in June 2026 with completion by January 2028.
Residents along Peck Road have flagged concerns over long waits at intersections near Ramona Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard, where trucks and commuter traffic converge. Local pedestrian groups have cited safety risks at crossings near Arceo Elementary School. The new timing plans will shorten idle periods and create defined walk phases, reducing risky road crossings.
Signal synchronization eases congestion
In unincorporated East Los Angeles, the Eastern Avenue Traffic Signal Synchronization Program will upgrade lights between Medford Street and Olympic Boulevard. The total project cost of $2.75 million is funded by a $1.02 million Metro Proposition C grant and $1.73 million in County Proposition C local return funds. Work is scheduled from June 2026 to March 2027. The retrofit will include modern controllers, improved lamp technology and pedestrian refuge islands. Bus priority measures will help transit run on schedule along one of the busiest eastside routes.
Last spring, the County held outreach meetings in El Monte and South El Monte to collect feedback from residents and business owners. Participants at sessions in El Monte City Hall highlighted long wait times at peak hours and unsafe crossings near shopping centers. County staff adjusted timing plans to reflect community input. Officials say the public engagement process helped refine signal plans and target pedestrian improvements where they are most needed.
While these projects focus on Peck Road and Eastern Avenue, County planners say they are exploring similar efforts on Ramona Boulevard and Garvey Avenue in Baldwin Park, Temple City and Rosemead. The broader program aims to build a coordinated arterial network across the Mid Valley, offering consistent travel speeds and safer streets for all road users.
Both projects carry no impact to the County’s General Fund and form part of a broader push to modernize arterial roads and support a fully coordinated network across multiple cities. Signal synchronization, bus priority and infrastructure improvements will create a seamless system ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supervisors noted that these enhancements will offer lasting benefits for families using public transit, cars or walking.
“From the San Gabriel Valley to East Los Angeles, these projects represent a long-term investment in a safer, more efficient transportation network for families,” said Chair Pro Tem Hilda L. Solis. “By synchronizing signals and upgrading intersections, we’re helping our communities move forward, safely and sustainably. This is about delivering real improvements that people will feel in their daily lives, whether they are walking, driving or taking public transportation.”
Residents can track project timelines and street closures on the County Public Works website. As crews install new signal controllers across El Monte, South El Monte and neighboring jurisdictions, drivers and pedestrians can look forward to fewer delays, improved safety near schools and a more reliable commute starting in 2026.
