Mayor Urges Further Study of Bypass Issue

Whatever the results of the special election on the Hidden Creek project, Mayor Patrick Hunter said officials must not forget the need to remove trucks from New Los Angeles Avenue.

Studies need to be completed and analyzed before the city commits itself to building a bypass to reroute trucks from California 118, Hunter said.

The state Department of Transportation estimates that 3,900 trucks use New Los Angeles Avenue daily.

Supporters of the 3,221-unit Hidden Creek project say development fees would generate enough for the city to build the bypass, which is expected to cost between $32 million and $37 million. Others have put the price tag at more than $100 million.

“We need to look at the regional transportation needs and how” the bypass fits them and “ask ourselves is it the best alternative?” said Hunter, the only City Council member to vote last summer against the largest housing development in the city’s history.

Councilman John Wozniak agreed that traffic experts need to further study the bypass issue, adding that the city should leave its options open.

“I think the bypass is part of the solution,” he said. “There’s other considerations, but this is one of the options the city should not close the door on.”

Hunter said the city could fix part of the traffic problem now by placing weigh stations and checkpoints on New Los Angeles Avenue.

“If you remove the incentive for” truck drivers to take New Los Angeles Avenue, “they would be inclined to take the [Ventura] freeway and stay where they belong [rather] than to take a shortcut,” Hunter said.