SOUTHSIDE TRAFFIC STUDY

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council approve the Public Works Commission’s recommendation to maintain status quo relative to traffic management measures in the south end of town and direct staff not to further study this issue.

 

Background:

Various traffic management measures have been requested over the years by residents of the southern area of Hermosa Beach, including the installation of speed bumps, street closures, and turn restrictions. The primary concerns are heavy traffic volumes, speeding, and safety along the residential streets, particularly during commuter peak periods. In response to these concerns, various traffic management measures have been implemented, including the conversion of Valley Drive to a one-way street southbound between 2nd Street and Herondo Street and the installation of turn restrictions at the intersection of Herondo Street and Monterey Boulevard to discourage northbound traffic between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.

Recent traffic studies have presented additional measures that could potentially be used to reduce traffic volumes on selected streets. After considering numerous options, the most recent study presented four measures that might be feasible. They are 1) converting Valley Drive to a two-way street between 2nd Street and Herondo Street, 2) enhancing the turn restrictions at Herondo and Monterey by installing a barricade, 3) closing 2nd Street at the Valley/Ardmore strip park, and 4) closing 8th Street at the Valley/Ardmore strip park. Please refer to Attachment 1.

After reviewing these potential options, the Public Works Commission determined that the most prudent action would be to maintain status quo and direct staff not to pursue any further study of these traffic management measures. The primary reason for this recommendation is the concern that any measure that would reduce the traffic volumes on one street would simply shift the traffic and the problems to another street.

 

Analysis:

The attached staff report for the December 13, 2000, Public Works Commission meeting presents the analysis of this issue and outlines the advantages and disadvantages associated with the various options.

 

Alternatives:

1. Approve the Public Works Commission’s recommendation to maintain status quo relative to traffic management measures in the south end of town and direct staff not to pursue further study of this issue.
2. Direct staff to implement one or more of the traffic management measures.
3. Direct staff to conduct additional studies of the traffic issues in the south end.

 

Fiscal Impact:

The recommendation to maintain status quo would result in no additional expenditures relative to this issue.

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