2.0 Transportation Setting
The transportation setting in the City of Torrance encompasses a complex and interconnected network of roadways, transit services, and active transportation systems that facilitate local and regional mobility. This section provides an overview of the City’s transportation infrastructure, including its location, major roads, regional connectivity, and multimodal transportation assets.
2.1 Local Vicinity and Major Roads
The City of Torrance is located in the South Bay region of southwestern Los Angeles County and spans approximately 21 square miles (12,312 acres). It is bordered by several neighboring cities and is a central hub for both residential and commercial activity in the South Bay. Figure 1 illustrates the city’s location within the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCOG) region and highlights its proximity to adjacent municipalities.
Major Roads in Torrance
Torrance is well-served by several major roadways and highways, ensuring efficient connectivity within the city and to the surrounding region:
- Interstate 405 (I-405): A major north-south freeway that traverses the northern portion of Torrance, offering five access points at Artesia Boulevard, Crenshaw Boulevard, 182nd Street, 190th Street, and other key intersections. The I-405 serves as a critical corridor for both commuter and freight traffic.
- State Route 107 (Hawthorne Boulevard): This route runs through the heart of Torrance, extending north to south and connecting various commercial and residential areas.
- State Route 213 (Western Avenue): Bordering the eastern edge of the city, this roadway facilitates access to neighboring communities and regional destinations.
- State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway): Positioned near the southern city limits, this iconic highway runs from northwest to southeast, providing scenic access to coastal areas.
These roadways form the backbone of Torrance’s transportation network, accommodating significant volumes of local and regional traffic.
2.2 Regional Area
Torrance’s transportation infrastructure is further enhanced by its integration into the larger regional transportation framework. The City benefits from its association with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), a key regional planning agency.
2.2.1 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
SCAG is the nation’s largest Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), encompassing six counties in Southern California. Figure 2 depicts the member counties within SCAG's jurisdiction, which include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Imperial. SCAG serves as a forum for addressing regional issues, promoting sustainable growth, and coordinating land use and transportation planning efforts across its member agencies.
2.2.2 SCAG’s Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS)
As part of its MPO responsibilities, SCAG is mandated to develop a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every four years. This plan incorporates a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS), a California state requirement aimed at reducing GHG emissions through integrated land use and transportation planning.
The current RTP/SCS, adopted in September 2020, is the 2020–2045 RTP/SCS, which serves as a long-term vision for regional mobility and sustainability. It balances future transportation needs with goals related to housing, economic development, environmental conservation, and public health. The plan emphasizes:
- Enhancing transit and active transportation networks.
- Promoting compact, mixed-use development to reduce VMT.
- Addressing infrastructure needs while minimizing environmental impacts.
The RTP/SCS serves as a guiding document for local jurisdictions, including Torrance, in aligning their transportation policies with regional sustainability objectives.
2.2.3 SCAG’s Regional Travel Demand Model (RTDM)
SCAG utilizes the Regional Travel Demand Model (RTDM) to forecast travel patterns and analyze transportation impacts. This trip-based model provides data-driven insights to support the development and evaluation of the RTP/SCS.
Key features of the SCAG RTDM include:
- A validated 2012 base year dataset.
- Travel forecasts extending to 2040.
- The ability to assess the transportation impacts of land use and infrastructure projects across the region.
Torrance relies on SCAG’s RTDM for analyzing regional transportation impacts, ensuring that local planning efforts align with regional goals and methodologies.
2.3 Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs)
Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) are fundamental units of geography used in transportation planning and modeling. These zones are typically defined by arterial roadways and major streets, allowing for detailed analysis of travel patterns within specific areas.
Under SCAG’s RTDM, Torrance is divided into 97 Tier-2 TAZs, which closely align with U.S. Census Bureau Block Groups. This granular level of analysis enables precise forecasting of transportation impacts and supports the development of targeted mitigation measures.
Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of TAZs within and around Torrance, highlighting the city’s integration into the regional transportation network.
2.4 Transit and Active Transportation System
Torrance boasts a diverse and multimodal transportation system that includes robust public transit services and extensive active transportation infrastructure.
Public Transit
Torrance Transit operates 11 bus lines within the city, providing convenient and reliable transportation for residents and visitors. These routes connect key destinations within Torrance and offer transfer opportunities to regional transit systems. In addition to Torrance Transit, several other agencies provide transit services in the city:
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro): Operates bus routes that link Torrance with other parts of Los Angeles County.
- City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT): Provides additional transit options in certain areas.
- Gardena Transit: Offers complementary bus services in neighboring areas.
Figure 4 provides a detailed map of the public transit routes operating within Torrance, showcasing the city’s connectivity to regional transit networks.
Bikeways and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Torrance supports active transportation through its network of Class II bike lanes and Class III bike routes, as well as an extensive sidewalk system spanning 550 miles. These facilities encourage walking and cycling as viable transportation modes, reducing reliance on automobiles and contributing to lower VMT.
- Class II Bike Lanes: Designated lanes for bicycles marked on roadways, providing a safer space for cyclists.
- Class III Bike Routes: Shared roadways identified by signage and markings, accommodating both bicycles and vehicles.
Figure 5 illustrates the distribution of bikeways within Torrance, highlighting the city’s commitment to promoting active transportation.
Opportunities for Improvement
While Torrance’s transit and active transportation systems are well-established, there are opportunities for further enhancement:
- Expanding the network of protected bike lanes to improve cyclist safety.
- Increasing the frequency and coverage of transit services to better meet the needs of residents.
- Enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, such as crosswalks and lighting, to encourage walking as a primary mode of transportation.
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