Traffic upgrade is in the timing

June Casagrande

A plan to better manage traffic signals in the city won unanimous

support and a few remarks of the “it’s about time” brand.

The City Council on Tuesday voted to award a $235,760 contract to

Meyer, Mohaddes Associates to conduct a citywide survey of potential

traffic flow improvements.

“I’m pleased we’re doing this, but a little dismayed at the amount

of time it’s taken to get on the agenda,” said City Councilman Gary

Adams, who in January requested that the city look at improving

traffic flow through synchronizing traffic lights and other

approaches.

A main focus of the company’s work will be to time traffic lights

in a way that keeps motorists moving.

“When you’re in the city and you drive from red light to red

light, the idea behind this is to put this to an end,” Mayor Steve

Bromberg said.

The company will look at the timing of all city-owned traffic

lights to recommend and implement changes.

On Coast Highway, which is owned by Caltrans, the company will

also recommend signal time improvements. City leaders are optimistic

that the state agency will work to help improve signal timing there.

The company will also determine where improvements such as lane

re-striping would improve traffic flow. And they will offer advice on

high-tech improvements that the city may want to make in the future.

“I’m convinced that, when we’re through, the motoring public in

the city here will notice a difference,” Public Works Director Steve

Badum said.

But Adams said that this contract should not be the end of such

work by the city. It should be the beginning.

“I think this is a good start, but it’s something we just have to

stay on top of,” Adams said. “It’s an investment we just have to

make, and this is just the start of it.”