Monrovia City Council to Consider Buying K-Rail Barriers for Madison Burn Areas

The city may purchase K-Rail barriers to be used to shore up areas affected by the Madison Fire.

The Monrovia City Council tonight will consider approving the purchase of the concrete barriers at a cost not to exceed $183,364 and their installation at a cost of $26,000.

Placement of the barriers in the neighborhoods below the burn areas will help mitigate the damage from water and debris flows, according to the staff report.

The Madison Fire burned around 83 acres in the hills above the northwest portion of Monrovia on April 20.

"As with any fire that occurs in the hills above populated sections, due to the loss of brush in the impacted areas, the potential risks for mud, ash, and or debris to come down the hillside increases during a rainstorm," staff wrote in a report to council.

Los Angeles County officials have prepared a map pointing out the areas where the barriers should be placed.

K-rail barriers are often used near freeway construction areas. Other communities, including La Canada Flintridge and the unincorporated area of La Crescenta, have used the barriers to lessen the extent of damages brought on by the first rains by redirecting mud and debris flow away from homes.

Portions of the K-rail, if approved, would be placed along stretches of the following streets.

Avocado Place (both sides)
Highland Place (North of Scenic) (east side)
Crescent Drive (south side of street)
Hillcrest Boulevard (south side)
Highland Place (both sides)
Heather Heights Court (both sides)
Lotone Street (south side)

The Monrovia City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. tonight at City Hall.