Minutes of the August 18, 2003 Board meeting

Those who attended the August HHIA business meeting were treated to an informative, though somewhat alarming, presentation on traffic congestion along Hacienda Boulevard, Colima Road and Azusa Avenue in Hacienda Heights. (Gale Avenue was not studied since it has shared jurisdiction with other cities. Similarly, the intersection of Gale and 7th Avenue off and on ramps from the 60 freeway are CalTrans responsibility.) Fabrizio Pachano and Jim Namminga of the County Department of Public Works reported on the progress of the County's Traffic Corridor Study. The study documents existing congestion along these corridors, and projects future congestion over the next twenty years. The County is now seeking public input as they formulate their proposed improvements to correct the problems.

The County identified existing levels of service along the three corridors based on the percent of road capacity used. The acceptable level of service (Level D) is the utilization of at least 80 percent of the road capacity which translates to clearing an intersection in one cycle of the traffic signal. Unacceptable levels of service are Level E which requires the use of 90-99 percent of the road (or two traffic signal cycles), and Level F which requires 100 percent of the road capacity (or more than two traffic signal cycles).

The study shows that of the 23 traffic signals along these corridors, all but eight intersections now meet the County minimum standard. Only Hacienda Boulevard at Gale, and Azusa Avenue at the Pomona Freeway are rated "F". Intersections receiving a rating of "D" are Hacienda Boulevard at Valley, Three Palms and Colima; and Colima Road at Camino Del Sur, Manor Gate and Azusa. However, by 2021, the situation becomes much more severe. Thirteen intersections are rated "F" and two are rated "E". In other words, 15 of the 23 intersections along these key traffic corridors in Hacienda Heights will operate at substandard levels of service if nothing is done to improve the situation!

The County is considering various approaches to solve the problem ranging from working within the existing right of way to major widening projects. The goal is to provide additional travel lanes and to modify lane channelization at intersections. Various factors must be taken into consideration including the benefit versus the cost and the impact on adjacent property. They noted that it may be necessary to narrow existing travel lane widths and remove the existing bike lanes and any current on-street parking. They will keep the community apprised of proposed improvements as they are developed. The County is now requesting public input no later than November 1, 2003. If you have any suggestions, comments or concerns, please contact Mr. Jim Namminga of the County Department of Public Works via e-mail at jnamming@ladpw.org.