Sunland Boulevard Horse Crossing Gains $400K in Funding
Los Angeles residents will see an increased budget for the planned rider-activated signal at Sunland and Johanna.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Large Animals
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The Los Angeles City Council has approved an additional $400,000 to fund a dedicated horse crossing at the intersection of Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue. This infrastructure project, which will include a rider-activated traffic light, now has a total budget of $892,500.
Why it matters
Construction inflation and new public works requirements nearly doubled the original cost of this project, which serves an area where 70% of residents own horses. Ensuring safe transit for equestrian traffic at this busy intersection remains a priority for the community.
The total project funding is now $892,500, an increase from the $455,500 allocated in 2021. The intersection at Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue was first identified as a recommended crossing site in 2012.
The players
Los Angeles City Council
The legislative body of the City of Los Angeles responsible for municipal budget approvals and public infrastructure oversight.
Monica Rodriguez
The Los Angeles City Councilmember who submitted the motion to secure the additional funding for the Sunland Boulevard project.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation
The city agency tasked with the engineering and design of the horse-activated signal systems and public traffic infrastructure.
The details
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation designed the crossing to help riders navigate a neighborhood where vehicle speeds are reported by residents to be between 55-65 mph. The crossing features a specialized traffic light system that riders can activate to safely cross the intersection. The additional funds approved by the council cover both inflationary labor and material costs and necessary public works adjustments.
Timeline
2012: Intersection added to the city's list of recommended horse crossings.
2021: City Council initially approved $455,500 for the project.
October 20, 2026: Council approved the additional $400,000 in funding.
Early 2027: The project will be included in a city bid package.
The Home Front
This project represents a commitment to maintaining equestrian-friendly infrastructure in designated zones established by the city's 2012 recommended horse crossings list. It follows a trend of increasing public works costs for specialized neighborhood safety projects.
Shadow Hills residents should monitor for upcoming construction notices at the intersection of Sunland Boulevard and Johanna Avenue once the bid process concludes in 2027. If you travel this route with your horse, watch for the eventual installation of the rider-activated light.
The takeaway
Advocating for infrastructure improvements in equestrian-heavy areas can lead to significant long-term safety upgrades for neighborhood riders. Stay informed on your local council district's public works calendar to track progress on projects affecting your daily transit routes.
What happens next
The project is scheduled to be included in a city-wide bid package in early 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest projects and safety initiatives for owners in our Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7.
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