MTA Pushes $68-Million Plan to Renovate Clogged Street
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority moved ahead Wednesday with a plan to transform crowded Santa Monica Boulevard into a fast-flowing, tree-lined avenue by 2001.
The MTA board unanimously approved a motion to begin the search for a consultant who would conduct the engineering study and environmental report on the proposed $68.2-million project. The board will select the consultant in June.
If the face-lift is approved by the board next summer, the congested 2 1/2-mile stretch between the San Diego Freeway and Beverly Hills would be redesigned into a six-lane avenue with bike and bus lanes. The plan calls for the elimination of Little Santa Monica Boulevard, a side buffer street that lingers from the last century, when the Red Pacific Electric Railway Red Car ran through West Los Angeles.
Traffic engineers calculated that the improvements will not only increase traffic flow and safety, but will save drivers and passengers about $9.5 million in vehicle wear and tear, fewer accidents, conserved fuel and increased work hours.
A handful of residents and business owners spoke in opposition to the project at Wednesday’s meeting, arguing that the elimination of side parking and Little Santa Monica would disrupt businesses and send traffic flowing onto residential streets.
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