Miscikowski Proposes Traffic-Control System for Emergencies

Annoyed that the city did not do enough to prevent traffic jams caused by recent brush fires in Tarzana and Pacific Palisades, City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski called Friday for traffic control officers to be deployed earlier in emergencies to help motorists get around blocked-off areas.

Miscikowski submitted a motion calling for a policy to be developed that would require immediate notification of the city Transportation Department when a major emergency forces the closure of city streets.

The department has often been the last called in emergencies, almost as an afterthought, resulting in long periods where motorists are stuck in gridlock around the emergency, Miscikowski said during a City Hall news conference.

“I believe this effort can give motorists who may be unfortunate enough to be caught in an emergency-related traffic jam greater hope that they can escape from that jam and rejoin their families, get to work or reach whatever other important goal is awaiting them,” Miscikowski said.

The councilwoman proposed that a task force be formed to develop a policy not just for emergency situations, but also for street closures involving city construction crews.

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The police and fire departments do routinely call traffic officers on major incidents, but a formal policy and notification system might improve response, said James Okazaki, assistant general manager of the city Transportation Department.

While the agency has traffic officers it can send out 24 hours a day, traffic engineers with barricades and other equipment are not available after hours.

“We are ready to do that, but we may have to get additional resources,” Okazaki said.

Miscikowski said she called for the formal policy because of several incidents, including a Tarzana brush fire last month that burned 40 acres near where Reseda Boulevard meets Mulholland Drive, and another fire the same day in Pacific Palisades.

Some motorists were prevented from getting to their homes and children at schools.

The councilwoman also said motorists were stuck in gridlock last month when the LAPD closed Mandeville Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard during a search for suspects in two bank robberies.

During the Pacific Palisades fire, traffic control officers were not sent out until after Miscikowski’s office called with concerns.

“Serious traffic congestion and driver frustration are frequent and unwelcome occurrences during emergencies throughout Los Angeles,” Miscikowski said. “Today I am proposing what I believe will help solve this problem.”