August 21: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

Written by Kenn Bicknell

1933: Firestone Boulevard, sometimes known as Manchester Avenue, is widened from 40 feet to 74 feet and becomes part of the California state highway system.

The road will be one of the principal traffic arteries connecting the Coast Highway, the southerly portion of Los Angeles, and contiguous territory with Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana.

More information can be found in the October, 1934 issue of California Highways and Public Works.

1933: California enacts a state law regulating roadside advertising. The measure is intended to protect the scenic beauty of the State’s motor routes and to prevent accidents by the elimination of dangerous signs.

More information can be found in the September, 1933 issue of California Highways and Public Works.

1940: A geological report concerning the North Figueroa corridor in advance of the proposed “Southerly Extension” of the Arroyo Seco Parkway.

The recently opened Parkway terminates at Avenue 22, attracting “so large a volume of traffic…that the adjoining sections of this highway which have not already been adequately improved become badly overtaxed.”

Recommendations are made to use the four existing tunnels, roadway and bridge over the Los Angeles River between Castelar Street and Avenue 22 for northbound traffic only. Additionally, a four-lane bridge is proposed above Riverside Drive, as well as a four-lane roadway to complete the Arroyo Seco Parkway’s connection to downtown.