BUENA PARK : Improvements for Dale Street Planned

One of Buena Park’s busiest and most congested thoroughfares is on the road to improvement, according to city officials.

Up to $8.5 million in improvements along Dale Street are designed to curb congestion and improve safety between Artesia Boulevard and Malvern Avenue, officials said.

“That street has been a very bad street--traffic-wise, it’s been a nightmare,” said Councilwoman Donna L. Chessen.

Dale will be widened to two lanes in each direction, and an overpass or underpass may be built at the railroad crossing.

“It’s a project that’s been desired by the city to get rid of the (railroad) crossing,” said Donald K. Jensen, director of public works.

In the past 10 years, there have been seven train-related accidents, including a fatality in 1985, at the crossing, said Herb Vargas, traffic engineer. In 1989, a near tragedy happened when a car stalled on the tracks, Vargas said, but the driver and her three children got out before the car was hit.

Amtrak also uses the rail line.

Jensen said the city expects to get $5 million in state transportation money for the project. He said the city has been applying for funding for over a decade.

“I think we kind of got lucky. I never thought we’d get the funding,” Chessen said.

The city hired UMA Engineering of Irvine in August to study alternatives for realignment, the advantages and disadvantages, as well as cost.

Initial plans were presented to the City Council this week. The consultants’ recommendations are expected to be completed by December for council consideration. An environmental study will follow.

Jensen said an underpass is the most likely solution for the rail crossing.

Consultants showed proposed alternatives, which include realigning Dale Street to line up to either Monticello Avenue or Burlingame Avenue--residential streets that lead to the Bellehurst area--or following the street’s existing alignment. Currently, Dale Street ends in a T at Malvern Avenue.

In addition, a second street is suggested between Malvern Avenue and the existing railroad tracks that would provide access to a proposed train station, which is a separate project.

Jensen said Buena Park has sought a train stop for many years. Moreover, it’s possible a that third track will be added for a Metrolink commuter line, he said. Jensen said the city’s hope is to begin construction within two years.