new traffic plan could help unclog downtown streets
A conference among City leaders is being held Downtown today to discuss revamping the city’s 20-year old traffic plan that aims to relieve traffic throughout Los Angeles. The mayor and city council members are expected to formally announce the changes later today, which will be implemented over the next three months.
A series of customary tactics are being considered, including priority express corridors, synchronized traffic lights, ticketing drivers who block intersections, street improvements and the creation of a fourth “Gridlock Tiger Team” — on-site traffic coordinators who expedite the flow of traffic through busy intersections.
However, the plans also calls for some progressive measures such as diagonal pedestrian crossings and more incentives to get commuters onto public transportation. Though with traffic as horrible as it is now, isn’t that incentive enough?
Any pedestrian and traffic improvements would be welcome additions to Downtown streets, especially with the increased congestion drawn by LA Live events during the evenings. Diagonal crosswalks have been used in other cities for years, and corridors such as Broadway, 7th, and Los Angeles streets could benefit from the enhanced flow if those options were exercised in Downtown.
Unfortunately, it seems the majority of efforts may be focused in other areas of the city.
What’s your best idea for solving LA’s traffic troubles?
-new downtown proposal calls for bicycling network
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11 comments
It’s 2008 and they haven’t synchronized the lights yet……
And I have never (ever) seen an instance where traffic cops aided a situation that didn’t involve broken signals or a down tree, etc.
bring on the diagonal crosswalks!
Let’s bring on-street parking, no more of this anti-gridlock zoning, a killer for street life.
How about one way streets? It amazes me a city of this size has so few. This option should be topping the list.
Sven, while that would definitely speed things up a bit, I think that proves confusing for drivers and could lead to more pedestrian-car accidents.
Plus, have you seen how fast people drive on Figueroa or 6th? I’d hate for more one-ways to come Downtown.
How about taxis. That’s get some freakin taxis for Downtown! Here! Here!
More BS! Listen up, people! YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO GET RID OF CONGESTION—NEVER!
What must be done is to provide OPTIONS to commuters. RAPID transit and walkable cities NOW!
Mr. Lastraphanger, I agree with you.
You’re absolutely right.
All major metropolitan cities around the world will indeed ALWAYS have traffic.
We have to provide options. Yes, Mass Transit is one of the options. (when will we finally build that Subway to the Sea?! How much longer, for crying out loud!!)
And also - providing Bicycle-friendly conditions is another options. Build more bike lanes, or better yet - create dedicated Bike Paths parallel to all major streets - like they do in Europe. Would be much safer for cars and bikes!
clean up the busses.
get some bus drivers that weren’t formally part of airport security.
actually create bus stops versus random signposts.
for starters ….
I am jaded today. just got back from taking subways and buses in Washington DC all week. It breaks my heart that LA is just doing baby steps despite its HORRIBLE traffic. I love LA, but every time I go to DC, I think about moving there just for the transit alone! After awhile, I miss the sun and beaches and remember that LA has alot to offer besides the traffic.
Why cant LA just stop BSing and just GET IT DONE
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