Is it Possible to Cure LA's Traffic Congestion?
A strong economy is synonymous with traffic congestion, however because of this Los Angeles’s expansive yet dense landscape is plagued with construction, lane closures, and unhappy commuters/residents. The supply of roads in the greater Los Angeles do not meet the demand of its commuters and residents.
Los Angeles was the first city to plan its layout around the automobile, however this was done before the invention of the traffic signal.[i] .The first stage of modernization occurred in the 1950s with the first traffic signal, however most of these lights did not have a left arrow because the structure could not hold the weight of an another signal, along with the majority for roads being too narrow to hold a median; today the city still has not added the left signal is most areas due to effects it could have on the lengths of signal cycles.[ii]
The second stage of Los Angeles’s transportation system modernization occurred in the 1990s with the development of the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System (ATSAC), also known as the “ Smart Signal” which uses sensors and induction loops to detect how vehicles are present in an intersection. [iii] To date, only 14% of the city’s signals have left turn signals, to determine if an intersection is need of a signal a threshold of complaints must be met along with evaluation by a city contractor. [iv] It is necessary to bring up the historical context of Los Angeles’s city planning in relation to transportation seeing that such developments now contribute to the congestion that occurs throughout the city and downtown.
Los Angeles's city management has showed their willingness to utilize technology systems and revitalize current infrastructure in Los Angeles through the enactment of various propositions such as Measure M. [vi]The purpose of Measure M is to garner funds to alleviate traffic pressures caused by the 10.2 million Angelenos . [v] Measure M will allocate funds to, “synchronize signals, improve neighborhood streets and intersections; embrace technology and innovation; incorporate modern technology, new advancements, and emerging innovations into the local transportation systems.” [vi] Moreover, the Metro agency has advocated that Internet Technology Systems can, “enhance the productivity of the existing infrastructure”. They categorize transportation systems that would be compatible with technological advancements as advanced “traffic signals”, “vehicle location systems”, and “traveler information systems.” [vii]
The Second Pillar of LADOT’s Strategic Plan institutes creating a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program which proposes an application platform to enhance the flow of traffic and reduce speeds in local neighborhoods along with implementing designated slow zones. [viii] The city releases manuals to city workers and third parties to make sure that the loops can be properly installed and repaired to promote effective synchronization of Los Angeles’s light signal system. [ix]
It is beneficial for Los Angeles city government to continue to utilize I.T.S as an aid to alleviate traffic congestion. Continued implementation will create a smarter Los Angeles and improve the livelihoods of both residents and commuters.
Sources
[i] http://www.ladot.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph266/f/lacityp_021339.pdf
[ii] http://laist.com/2016/09/12/so_why_arent_there_any_left_turn_si.php
[iii] http://laist.com/2016/09/12/so_why_arent_there_any_left_turn_si.php
[iv] http://laist.com/2016/09/12/so_why_arent_there_any_left_turn_si.php
[v] http://laist.com/2016/09/12/so_why_arent_there_any_left_turn_si.php
[vi] http://theplan.metro.net
[vii] http://theplan.metro.net
[viii] http://media.metro.net/about_us/library/images/Intelligent%20Tranportation%20Systems.pdf
[ix] http://ladot.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph266/f/LACITYP_029076.pdf