Los Angeles Approves Funding for Horse Crossing

The city added $400,000 to the project budget to finalize a specialized horse traffic light for riders in Shadow Hills.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Large Animals

Gouache-painted illustration of a horse and rider silhouetted against a suburban hillside street at sunset, representing a new equestrian crossing. — The Los Angeles City Council approved $400,000 in additional funding to complete a specialized equestrian crossing at Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Los Angeles City Council approved $400,000 in additional funding to complete a horse crossing at Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue. This brings the total budget for the project to $892,500.

Why it matters

The project aims to improve safety in an area where 70% of residents own horses, addressing concerns about vehicle traffic near the crossing. Rising construction costs and public works requirements necessitated this budget increase.

The total project cost has reached $892,500, nearly doubling the initial 2021 approval of $455,500. This specialized crossing serves a neighborhood where 70% of residents own horses.

The players

Monica Rodriguez

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez submitted the motion for the additional project funding.

Los Angeles Department of Transportation

This city agency is responsible for designing the traffic signal systems for the horse crossing.

The details

Designed by the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, the crossing features a signal light that riders can activate themselves. The intersection was first identified as a priority for equestrian safety in 2012.

The intersection was added to the city's recommended horse crossings list in 2012.
The City Council initially approved $455,500 for the project in 2021.
Additional project funding was approved by the City Council on October 20, 2026.
The crossing is expected to be included in an early 2027 bid package.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader municipal shift toward accommodating equestrian lifestyles in urban fringe neighborhoods. It highlights the integration of specialized animal-friendly infrastructure into standard city traffic design.

Residents in the Shadow Hills area will benefit from a dedicated signal designed to improve safety when crossing at the busy intersection of Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue. This infrastructure helps protect riders in a community where equestrian activity is a primary lifestyle component.

The takeaway

Maintaining safety in shared-use corridors often requires significant long-term municipal investment as project costs rise. Equestrian riders should remain aware that final construction schedules remain dependent on upcoming city bid packages.