Huntington Repairs Set to Begin

^{First published in the Jan. 20 print issue of the San Marino Tribune.}

A massive effort to reconstruct Huntington Drive from San Gabriel Boulevard eastward to an endpoint that is 132 feet west of Michillinda Avenue is set to begin in February and is expected to last at least one year, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Called a “pavement rehabilitation and landscape beautification” project, the effort is expected to be divided into segments in order to reduce the impacts to businesses, schools and commuters along Huntington Drive.
Currently, the pavement within the project limits is deteriorated and needs to be rehabilitated, which involves removal of the entire thickness of asphalt and repaving. This process is necessary to ensure that the roadway pavement lasts double the time of resurfacing treatment, according to the county’s website that explains the project.
During the construction process, driveway access will be maintained, signage will be installed to direct traffic, lane closures might last extended periods and parking might be restricted. Temporary “no parking” signs are expected to be posted along the construction route at least two days prior to the arrival of the work crew.
The first phase of the project will include reconstruction of the curb and gutter, sidewalk, traffic signal, storm drain and asphalt pavement from Muscatel Avenue to Michillinda Avenue and is slated to last from February through March of this year.
San Marino City Manager Marcella Marlowe said that her team is aware of the effort.
“The entire project takes place outside of San Marino’s jurisdiction and within the county’s area,” Marlowe said. “The only San Marino people impacted are the Carver school families, and they are aware of the project as well. The only involvement we have was the approval of the eastbound traffic control plan wherein there will be lane merges in San Marino before the traffic signal.”
Michael Lin, principal of Carver Elementary School, said the project was brought to his attention by a Carver parent.
“We are hoping that this happens when we are on summer break and not when kids are in school,” said Lin.
Project managers from the county did not return emails sent last Friday that requested a projected impact on Carver.
A virtual public meeting was held on Jan. 12 and Marlowe said the city was not informed of the gathering until that very day. She said the city has requested more public meetings that carry advanced notice.