Downey plans traffic signal at Firestone and Pangborn

The city plans to install a traffic signal at Firestone Boulevard and Pangborn Avenue to improve traffic flow, reduce cut-through traffic on nearby residential streets and create a protected pedestrian crossing. Construction is expected to begin in January 2027. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY — City officials are moving forward with plans to install a traffic signal at Firestone Boulevard and Pangborn Avenue, a project intended to improve traffic flow, reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic and provide a protected pedestrian crossing.

The Downey City Council is scheduled Tuesday to consider approving the project’s plans and specifications and authorizing the city to solicit construction bids. The council will also be asked to approve the purchase of traffic signal equipment and other materials that can require lengthy manufacturing and delivery times.

Traffic on Pangborn Avenue has increased steadily in recent years as development has expanded around the intersection, according to a city staff report. Two fast-food restaurants and a day care center occupy the northern corners, while a small retail center is located south of Firestone Boulevard.

Pangborn Avenue also serves nearby residential neighborhoods and carries approximately 6,000 vehicles each day. Rio San Gabriel Elementary School is located nearby on Pangborn Avenue at Gotham Street.

Drivers traveling south on Pangborn Avenue are currently prohibited from turning left onto eastbound Firestone Boulevard. Motorists heading toward the 605 Freeway or other destinations to the east must instead turn right, travel west to Woodruff Avenue and make a U-turn.

Other drivers use Ardine or Fostoria streets to reach Newville Avenue and turn left at the signalized Firestone Boulevard intersection. Residents have complained about the resulting cut-through traffic on those residential streets, city officials said.

Installing the signal would allow southbound drivers to turn left directly onto Firestone Boulevard, encouraging them to remain on Pangborn Avenue instead of diverting through nearby neighborhoods.

The project would also include a marked crosswalk and protected pedestrian crossing across Firestone Boulevard. A traffic signal warrant study completed in March 2025 found that conditions at the intersection justified installing a signal.

Construction would include new signal poles, pedestrian push buttons, vehicle and pedestrian signals, streetlights, electrical equipment and fiber-optic communications equipment. A portion of the raised median on Firestone Boulevard would be removed to accommodate the new left turn.

The project also calls for accessible curb ramps, pavement work, striping, signage and related traffic-control improvements.

Construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and be completed by July 2027.

The total estimated cost is $599,285, including approximately $300,000 for construction, $137,000 for city-furnished materials and $60,000 for inspection and materials testing. The city has budgeted $234,457 from Senate Bill 1 and Measure R funds and expects to request additional funding after construction bids are received.