Residents Blast Commuter Shortcuts

Sherman Oaks residents are complaining that commuters bypassing Sepulveda Boulevard are turning quiet residential streets into speedways.

City Councilman Mike Feuer and the city Department of Transportation will meet with concerned residents Wednesday at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park Senior Citizens Center.

“The traffic situation in and around these neighborhoods has caused great concern to many residents,” Feuer said. “Any attempt to change traffic patterns will have both positive and negative effects. Therefore, before implementing any changes, we would like to give members of the community a chance to discuss the alternatives.”

Commuters have been using Saugus Avenue, Woodcliff Road and Longbow Drive as alternate routes to Sepulveda Boulevard, angering people who live on those streets. To address neighbors’ concerns, the Transportation Department has proposed turn restrictions at certain intersections. The proposals would:

* Prohibit eastbound and westbound traffic on Valley Vista Boulevard, Sutton Street and Greenleaf Street from using Saugus Avenue and Woodcliff Road to travel south during the morning peak hours, 6 to 10 a.m.

* Prohibit eastbound and westbound traffic on Mulholland Drive from turning north onto Longbow Drive during the afternoon peak hours, 4 to 7 p.m.

The meeting will also allow neighbors to hear details of a proposed Los Angeles County Flood Control District plan to undertake a major storm-drain construction project on Woodcliff Road this spring, which may further aggravate traffic problems.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the center, 5056 Van Nuys Blvd.