By Roger Genser Santa Monica
(Re: “Ready, set, cross,” Dec. 18) As a 30-year resident of Ocean Park, I have to express my profound opposition to the unbelievably ill-considered narrowing of Ocean Park Boulevard, from Lincoln to 23rd Street. As we all know, traffic flow to the east — especially at rush hour — has become unbearable. In light of this indisputable fact, narrowing this major artery defies logic.
But in practical terms, there are serious problems. Heading east at rush hour, the problem is compounded. Ocean Park Boulevard, west of Lincoln (two lanes), can back up for two blocks. The red light lasts about two minutes. All of those cars then cross Lincoln to a now narrowed Ocean Park Boulevard, right in front of the Albertson’s entrance at the SE corner. Cars are turning right into the parking lot and turning right out of the lot. Cars are also turning right from Lincoln — an accident waiting to happen. The flow of traffic, now restricted and compressed to one lane, continues up the hill at a slow rate of speed. The flow is restricted to the speed of the slowest vehicle.
The new left turn lanes are helpful. However, they should be reconfigured by creating turning pockets and retaining the two lanes by re-stripping only at the street corners. I have not yet observed the effects on the westbound traffic before Lincoln.
It is a nightmare and a disaster waiting to happen. If this is traffic calming, I am not calm. (Daily Press columnist) Bill Bauer got this one right.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 24, 2007. Read the original PDF.