Lighted Traffic Signs May Gain New Foe

Los Angeles City Councilman Marvin Braude said he is leaning against a city proposal to erect lighted traffic signs on Ventura Boulevard.

“I am opposed to billboards and the proliferation of commercial signs or any kinds of signs obstructing the public right of way,” Braude said.

The city Department of Transportation wants to erect three signs--similar to those along the freeway that warn drivers of traffic ahead--on Ventura Boulevard, part of which is in Braude’s district.

One would be east of Haskell Avenue facing eastbound traffic; another would be east of Beverly Glen Boulevard facing westbound traffic in Sherman Oaks, and the third would be west of Sylvia Avenue in Tarzana facing eastbound traffic.

The signs would be installed overhead and be about 15 feet long and 6 feet wide, about 40% smaller than overhead freeway signs, said John Fisher, the city’s principal transportation engineer.

The Ventura Boulevard Plan Review Board--a citizens board that oversees the street’s master plan--opposes the signs as being unsightly and out of character with the boulevard, which board members would like to see become more pedestrian-oriented.

Fisher said his department is to make a decision on whether to put up the signs by the end of the month, and that it would not put in signs against the community’s wishes.

He said Braude has not yet indicated his approval or disapproval of the signs to the department.

The signs would coordinate traffic on Ventura and Sepulveda boulevards, and the Ventura and San Diego freeways. According to Fisher, they would alert drivers to traffic problems and recommend alternative routes.

They are part of an overall traffic management program that includes timed traffic lights. Each sign would cost about $750,000 and be paid for by state Proposition 111 funds.

“I don’t think signs hanging over the boulevard are ugly, but they are large and we’re aware of that,” Fisher said. “But if you desire to inform motorists of traffic conditions. . . that is the only way we know of effectively accomplishing that goal.” Braude, however, said maintaining the appearance of the boulevard is also important.