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Can Traffic Improve Along 5 Miles of La Cienega Boulevard?
85.000 vehicles travel the southern portion of La Cienega Boulevard everyday, making it one of the traveled surface streets in the region. From the 10 freeway to 405 freeway, the critical five-mile artery can be its own traffic hell for commuters and the adjoining residents of Los Angeles, Culver City, unincorporated Ladera Heights and Inglewood.
Originally intended to be a freeway, over three miles of the boulevard is already a divided grade-separated roadway. Government agencies, with SCAG in the lead, are hoping to improve traffic flow through a variety of methods like medians, turn lanes and better traffic signal coordination. But the biggest possible solutions might come with changing the face of six intersections. Overpass or underpass lanes for through traffic at Fairfax, Rodeo, Stock and La Tijera, Centinela and Fairview are what's being examined.
SCAG Project Manager Philip Law explained that the document produced will be a planning study, an important step of many. "We're not going to turn around and start building," he said. "At this stage we're looking at high level feasibility -- a broad level assessment on what can be possible."
In June, public meetings are scheduled so residents can give feedback on a more refined study. The document will then be completed by mid to late July and then it's up to local governments to take action. "If the cities want to move forward, they'll have to do an EIR and secure funding," said Philip.
Future Meetings
June 16, 2010; 6 to 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Baha'i Center
5755 Rodeo Road l Los Angeles 90016
June 17, 2010; 7 to 9 p.m.
Inglewood City Hall, Community Room A
One Manchester Boulevard l Inglewood 90312