Project Overview
The North Hill Avenue Complete Streets Project intends to calm traffic speeds and improve safety and mobility on North Hill Avenue at the intersections of Topeka Street and Elizabeth Street.
Project Background
The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation in 2016 to develop concept plans and conduct outreach with neighborhood residents for the North Hill Avenue Complete Streets project. The North Hill Avenue corridor is 1.4 mile in length connecting the neighborhood to and from I-210 freeway. The main concerns raised by local residents is speeding of motorists which greatly impact their neighborhood’s quality of life. The goal of the project was to balance transportation opportunities to lower vehicular speeds and to improve the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Working closely with the residents on Hill Avenue, The City of Pasadena Department of Transportation proposed two mini-roundabouts for two intersections of Topeka Street and Elizabeth Street. The Hill Avenue and Topeka Street mini-roundabout has been constructed. The City received additional feedback on the Hill Avenue and Elizabeth Street mini-roundabout and now an alternative safety improvement design is being pursued with the community.
Process Design
Hill Ave. and Topeka St. Mini-Roundabout
Hill Ave. And Elizabeth St. Proposed Design Conceptual Rendering
Current Project Status
Completed Improvements
The mini-roundabout at the intersection of Hill Avenue and Topeka Street was successfully constructed as part of the City’s efforts to improve traffic safety and flow. This improvement has enhanced intersection efficiency by reducing vehicle speeds and minimizing conflict points, while also contributing to a calmer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Hill Ave. and Topeka St. Mini-Roundabout
Hill and Topeka Mini-Roundabout Approach Vehicles
Updated Proposal
The City’s Transportation Department has updated its proposal for the intersection of Hill Avenue and Elizabeth Street, replacing the previously planned mini-roundabout. The updated proposal continues to focus on traffic calming and improving safety/accessibility for all users and includes:
- High-visibility crosswalk,
- a median island,
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (flashing lights), and
- striping upgrades.
With 66% of community feedback in support, the City will move forward with these improvements. To give residents a chance to experience the changes and provide additional input before final installation, the City will first pilot the median island and striping upgrades using temporary quick‑build materials. The high‑visibility crosswalks and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons will be installed as permanent features.
The City anticipates a six‑month evaluation period. Based on community feedback during that time, the temporary quick‑build elements will either be replaced with permanent materials or removed.
For questions about the project, please contact the City by emailing hillavenueproject@cityofpasadena.net.