Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Agenda Item - 14

CITY OF BURBANK
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM

DATE: March 29, 2005

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager

FROM: Bruce S. Feng, Deputy City Manager/Public Works & Capital Projects
By: Kenneth Johnson, Assistant Public Works Director - Traffic Engineer

SUBJECT: Proposed Modifications To The Traffic Signal Operation At Chandler Boulevard / Hollywood Way And Chandler Boulevard / Buena Vista Street

PURPOSE
This report is intended to apprise Council of planned modifications to the traffic signals along the Chandler Bikeway to reduce significant traffic delays on Hollywood Way and on Buena Vista Street during periods of high traffic demand.

BACKGROUND
Traffic signal operation at the intersections of Hollywood Way / Chandler Boulevard and Buena Vista Street / Chandler Boulevard was significantly changed with the implementation of the Chandler Bikeway. Additional signal phases were added to the signal operation to insure that pedestrians and bicyclists could traverse each intersection in complete safety. The new signal operation, however, has created two traffic issues at these signalized intersections.

1. Signal Timing - the current traffic signal cycle is about 130 to 140 seconds long because of all the required traffic signal phases; consequently, significant traffic congestion occurs on the main streets, particularly during the evening peak travel hours.

2. Signal Visibility - special programmed visibility (PV) traffic signal heads at the far intersection of both streets are difficult for motorists to see and recognize, resulting in driver hesitation and confusion when turning from Chandler Boulevard. The lack of visibility adds to the traffic congestion at both intersections.

Staff proposes to reduce congestion and improve visibility by modifying the traffic operation at each intersection with the elimination of some vehicle turning movements across the bikeway. The prohibition of turning movements across the bikeway will allow the consolidation of several traffic signal phases into one operation to reduce the total signal cycle length. The modification will also enable elimination of the confusing PV traffic signal indications.

ANALYSIS

Current Traffic Signal Operation
The construction of the Chandler Bikeway included significant modifications to the traffic signals at Hollywood Way and at Buena Vista Street. Special traffic signal phasing was installed to maximize the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians using the bikeway. Special phasing was installed to insure the bikeway crossings of the two streets would be free of vehicles whenever bicyclists or pedestrians are present. Bikeway safety was the primary consideration in the development of the signal sequencing at both intersections.

Signal Timing - The resulting traffic signal operation at Chandler Boulevard and Hollywood Way or with Buena Vista Street is shown in Figure 1. The traffic signal cycle includes four traffic movements or phases: 1) a left turn clearance interval, 2) main street green, 3) south Chandler green, and 4) north Chandler green. The time shown for each vehicle green interval totals 124 seconds. The pedestrian cycle can operate simultaneously with either Chandler Boulevard green, but must be proceeded by a phase to clear the bikeway crossing of vehicles that may be stored on the crossing.

The traffic signal timing was established with this configuration to insure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists on the bikeway. Prior to a green signal for the bikeway, a clearance interval is always given for vehicles on the bikeway to insure that no vehicles are stopped across the crosswalk. Thus, the crosswalk should be clear of obstructions at all times when pedestrians cross.

During the peak hours, when all phasing intervals are operating at maximum, the total cycle time can reach 140 seconds. The existing traffic signal cycle length for all other signals on Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way is 90 seconds. Therefore, Chandler Boulevard cannot be coordinated with other signals on the street. The lack of coordination and the long signal cycle at Chandler Boulevard results in severe congestion in each corridor during peak travel hours.

Prior to the construction of the Chandler Boulevard Bikeway, the traffic signal operation was much simpler. The traffic signal rotated through two 60 second long, fixed time cycles with each side of Chandler Boulevard given a green signal every other cycle. This operation allowed the Chandler signals to be synchronized with other signals in the corridor. The previous operation is illustrated in Figure 2.

Signal Visibility - The PV traffic signal heads are adjustable so that the signal indications appear dark from certain directions or distances from the traffic signal. They are used at closely spaced intersections when conflicting colors (indications) may confuse motorists. The PV heads are used at the Chandler Boulevard intersections in the north – south direction, and they are located at the farther of the two intersections from the approaching motorist. The devices are programmed so that a driver cannot see the signal at the second intersection until he has passed the first intersection. The complicated phasing at the crossing may show red at one signal and green at the other signal at certain times to keep vehicles from stopping on the crossing.

The PV traffic signal indications cause confusion to motorists traveling on Hollywood Way or Buena Vista Street. The signals are programmed to be visible only within about 60 feet of the signal, and drivers become confused when they observe a dark indication. Many drivers assume the signal is malfunctioning or broken.

Proposed Traffic Signal Operation
The existing traffic signal operation can be improved by simplifying the number of signal phasing options. Those movements that cross the bikeway crosswalk are particularly problematic. It is proposed to prohibit these conflicting turning movements shown in Figure 3. With the turns across the bikeway prohibited, the traffic signal can be operated with three phases within the current 90 second cycle used along the remainder of the corridor. Both sides on Chandler Boulevard would have a green signal at the same time. This operation will minimize the traffic congestion that now occurs.

The traffic movements affected by the turn prohibitions are shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows the turning movements to be prohibited at Buena Vista Street, and Figure 5 contains the affected traffic movements at Hollywood Way. The turn prohibitions will impact less than 1,000 vehicles per day at each intersection, but travel will improve for more than 45,000 daily vehicles at each location.

Turn Prohibitions - Traffic displaced from the two intersections by the turn prohibitions will be relocated to nearby non-signalized crossings of the bikeway, or the traffic can use alternate routes to Burbank Boulevard or Magnolia Boulevard. The relocated traffic will be accommodated at the unsignalized bikeway crossings or the residential street system without significant impact to pedestrians or drivers. The turn prohibitions will be posted with appropriate signs and pavement markings at least two weeks prior to modifying the traffic signal timing, so that drivers can become used to the restrictions.

Left turn prohibitions will be identified by pavement markings, including a painted median in the center of the approach to the intersection, pavement arrows that show through and right movements only, and signage on the near side of the intersection and on the opposite side signal mast arm that show no left turn. Right turn prohibitions currently have a red arrow signal that will be programmed to continuously show red. Pavement markings will include through and left turn arrows, and right turn prohibition signs will be installed on the near right side of the intersection and the opposite traffic signal mast arm.

Removal of Programmed Visibility Signals - The turning movement restrictions at both intersections will also enable the removal of the PV traffic signal heads. The PV signals were installed because of the complex overlapping signal phasing designed to keep vehicles from queuing on the bikeway. The restrictions eliminate the complex phasing, thus making the PV signals superfluous. These devices will be replaced with regular traffic signal indications.

We plan to implement the changes to the traffic signals in several steps to minimize driver confusion. Turn prohibitions will be implemented first with the installation of appropriate signs and pavement markings. The traffic signal operation will be left unchanged for two weeks to allow drivers to become accustomed to the restrictions; then, the traffic signal will be retimed. Staff will monitor the operation of each intersection and adjust the traffic control as necessary to maintain the safest possible operation.

FISCAL IMPACT
The changes proposed to the two signalized intersections along the Chandler Bikeway will be completed with available materials and City Staff. The improvements will have no fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION
Note and file.

Attachments: (not available at this time)
Figure 1 - Existing Signal Operation
Figure 2 – Previous Signal Operation
Figure 3 – Proposed Signal Operation
Figure 4 – Buena Vista Street Turning Traffic Data
Figure 5 – Hollywood Way Turning Traffic Data

A N N O T A T E D
COUNCIL AGENDA - CITY OF BURBANK
Staff directed to modify the current signal timings and to hold community meetings to consider further modifications.

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES

1602-1 Traffic Signal Modifications at Chandler and Hollywood Way and Chandler and Buena Vista

Mr. Johnson, Assistant Public Works Director/Traffic Engineer, reported that with the opening of the Chandler Bikeway, traffic signal operations at the intersections of Hollywood Way/Chandler Boulevard and Buena Vista Street/Chandler Boulevard were significantly changed to ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists traverse each intersection safely. However, he noted that the new signal operations are creating traffic congestion during peak traffic hours. He gave a history of the signal timings at both intersections before and after the modifications and the traffic volume on both arterials.

Mr. Johnson informed the Council that staff proposes to reduce congestion and improve visibility by modifying the traffic operation at each intersection with the elimination of some vehicle turning movements across the bikeway. He explained that prohibiting turning movements across the bikeway will allow the consolidation of several traffic signal phases into one operation to reduce the total signal cycle length.

Staff was directed to modify the current signal timings and to hold community meetings to consider further modifications.

 

 

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Agenda Item - 4

CITY OF BURBANK
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM

DATE: May 24, 2005

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager

FROM: Bruce S. Feng, Deputy City Manager/Public Works & Capital Projects
By: Kenneth Johnson, Assistant Public Works Director - Traffic Engineer

SUBJECT: Update On Proposed Modifications To The Traffic Signal Operation At Chandler Boulevard/hollywood Way And Chandler Boulevard/buena Vista Street

PURPOSE
To provide Council with an update of our progress on modifying the traffic signal operation and timing at Chandler Boulevard/Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard/Buena Vista Street.

BACKGROUND
Staff presented information to Council on March 29, 2005 about existing traffic operation issues at the two signalized intersections. The identified issues are: 1) traffic signal operation that produces traffic delays and long vehicle queues on the major north-south streets during peak travel periods, and 2) specialized traffic signal heads installed for safety cause confusion to some drivers at each intersection. After discussion, Council directed staff to modify the traffic signal operation to favor traffic on Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street by increasing traffic delay on Chandler Boulevard as soon as possible. Council also directed staff to solicit the viewpoints of residents in the Chandler Bikeway area about a one-way, boulevard type of operation on Chandler Boulevard.

ANALYSIS
Over the last several weeks, staff investigated several variations to the basic signal operation plan desired by Council to identify the safest operation for bicyclists and pedestrians while minimizing delays on the two major north-south streets. Traffic signal operational changes were also investigated to address the driver confusion issue.

Traffic Signal Operations - Specific phasing designations were applied to each vehicle movement through the intersection to enable the local control system software to produce the required flow sequence through each intersection. These phasing designations, illustrated in Attachment 1, are comprised of primary phases 1 through 8 and slave “overlaps” A through D. The proper phasing designation prevents simultaneous conflicting vehicle and pedestrian movements.

The proposed traffic signal phase sequencing is shown in Attachment 2. The north-south major street traffic movements will operate during each signal cycle, while the side street Chandler Boulevard movements will operate only every other signal cycle. The proposed phasing includes the clearance of vehicles in the bikeway crossing area prior to allowing pedestrians or bicyclists to cross. The phasing provides two vehicle clearance opportunities, prior to main street green and with the side street operation.

The bikeway has a separate operating phase from all other vehicle phases, but the bikeway phase may operate in conjunction with either Chandler Boulevard phase. Thus, the bikeway green can operate every signal cycle, if the bicycle detection is activated. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be served at least every 90 seconds, similar to the main street vehicle operation.

The proposed phasing was thoroughly tested with our signal simulation software and further tested in a controlled test environment for the last several weeks to fully insure the achievability of desired safety and operational requirements. The tests are completed and the timing is ready to install at the intersections upon final approval of Council. The timing can be fully operational within a week of Council approval. Residents will be notified of the changes by letter.

Traffic signal Hardware – The proposed traffic signal timing and phasing will require some minor wiring modifications that are easily completed. After installation of the timing, staff will test some new traffic signal heads that are designed to eliminate the driver confusion at each intersection. The new devices operate more reliably during both daytime and nighttime periods. This equipment will be installed within a few weeks of the re-timing operations.

If approved by Council, this traffic signal timing and phasing will be subject to design immunity.

FISCAL IMPACT
The changes proposed to the two signalized intersections along the Chandler Bikeway will be completed with available materials and City Staff. The improvements will have no fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION
Proceed with the modification of the traffic signal operation at Hollywood Way/Chandler Boulevard and Buena Vista Street/Chandler Boulevard as approved by Council.

Attachments: (not available at this time)
Figure 1 – Proposed Phasing Designation
Figure 2 – Proposed Traffic Signal Operation

A N N O T A T E D
COUNCIL AGENDA - CITY OF BURBANK
Noted and filed. 5-0

EXCERT FROM MINUTES

1602-1
Update on Proposed Modifications to the Traffic Signal Operation at Chandler Boulevard/Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard/Buena Vista Street

Mr. Johnson, Assistant Public Works Director/Traffic Engineer, provided the Council with an update on the traffic signal operation and timing at the Chandler Boulevard/Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard/Buena Vista Street intersections. He explained that the traffic signal operation would be modified to favor traffic on Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street by increasing traffic delay on Chandler Boulevard. He noted that the modifications will improve the safety of the intersection for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. He also informed the Council that a letter will be sent to the Chandler Boulevard residents to receive input on the one-way traffic lane proposal.

Mr. Vander Borght expressed concerns with polling residents without providing them with sufficient information.

Ms. Alvord stated that community outreach will be conducted prior to polling the residents.

The report was noted and filed.

 

 

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Agenda Item - 13

CITY OF BURBANK
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM

DATE: January 10, 2006

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager

FROM: Bonnie Teaford, Interim Public Works Director
By: Kenneth Johnson, Traffic Engineer

SUBJECT: Initial Review Of Chandler Boulevard One-Way Pair Evaluation

PURPOSE
To provide City Council with preliminary information on the evaluation of a one-way pair operation on Chandler Boulevard between Mariposa Street and Pass Avenue, and to obtain City Council direction for the study process.

BACKGROUND
Mayor Jef Vander Borght requested information about the potential for modifying the traffic operation on Chandler Boulevard to one-way traffic flow on each side of the bike path. In November 2005, staff prepared a memorandum that delineated the study process; including information collection, public outreach, and project evaluation for changing the Chandler Boulevard traffic pattern. The following six steps were identified:

• Collect traffic demand data
• Prepare an analysis of impacts from the change
• Conduct public outreach
• Determine changeover costs
• Prepare a City Council report
• Develop a changeover plan

This memorandum outlines the progress of the evaluation for a Chandler Boulevard one-way operation.

ANALYSIS
A study of one-way operation on Chandler Boulevard was initially discussed at a City Council meeting in March 2005, and a study process and schedule was outlined in a memorandum to the City Manager in November 2005. To date, a significant amount of initial work has been completed. Traffic volume data collection is largely complete, and the analysis of existing traffic operations is underway. The Transportation Commission and the Friends of Chandler Bikeway have given initial thoughts on potential issues associated with the one-way operation, and these issues are described below. Staff has prepared an address listing of properties along Chandler Boulevard and its cross streets between Burbank Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard for the public outreach component of the project.

Scope of Public Input
Public outreach is a large part of the Chandler Boulevard one-way study. In addition to deliberation by City Council, the following groups will be requested to comment on the potential traffic modifications to Chandler Boulevard:

• The neighborhood surrounding Chandler Boulevard
• Friends of Chandler Bikeway
• Transportation Commission
• Traffic and Transportation Committee

Study Issues
A list of operations issues was developed to guide staff in the development of a comprehensive plan to change the traffic flow to a one-way pair operation. The following issues were identified:

• Existing traffic facilities on and near Chandler Boulevard – Traffic controls and traffic calming features will impact how the new operation functions. These existing features are shown in Attachment 1. The existing speed humps and chokers are of particular interest in future traffic operations near Chandler Boulevard.
• Changes in travel distance and time – One-way pair operation inherently results in an increase in travel parameters. The amount of increase will impact acceptance by the surrounding neighborhood.
• Traffic speeds on Chandler Boulevard – Current traffic speeds tend to be higher than desirable on certain sections of Chandler Boulevard. The more efficient operation of the one-way pair may affect these travel speeds.
• Change in travel patterns in the neighborhood – The one-way operation on Chandler Boulevard will change the directionality and volume of traffic on intersecting streets, particularly California Street, Keystone Street, and Pass Avenue.
• Travel in alleys parallel to Chandler Boulevard – Alley usage may increase in an effort to circumvent the one-way operation. The increased traffic is detrimental to garage access.
• Design of the end transitions – Approaches to the one-way operation at Mariposa Street and Pass Avenue will be required.
• Access to Edison School –Pick-up and drop-off operations at Edison School may be impacted by the revised operation of Chandler Boulevard.
• Improved traffic signal operation – The Chandler Boulevard one-way operation will enable significant improvements to the traffic signal operation at Hollywood Way and at Buena Vista Street.
• Potential for additional bikeway crossings – Additional crossings of the bikeway may help reduce increased travel distance and time.
• Changeover implementation costs

FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed operations study phase will have no fiscal impact, as existing City staff will be able to complete the work in-house.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that City Council provide further direction on the scope, content, and schedule of the Chandler Boulevard Operations Study.

Attachments: (unavailable at this time)
Figure 1 – Chandler Boulevard Traffic controls
Figure 2 – Existing Traffic Demand

A N N O T A T E D
COUNCIL AGENDA - CITY OF BURBANK
Staff directed to proceed with the Study on the one-way pair evaluation.

EXCERPT FROM MINUTES

1402 - Review of Chandler Blvd. One-Way Pair

Mr. Johnson, Assistant Public Works Director/Traffic Engineer, provided preliminary information on the potential for modifying the traffic operation on Chandler Boulevard to one-way traffic flow on each side of the bike path between Mariposa Street and Pass Avenue. He stated that staff has developed a process for evaluating the potential modifications that includes: collecting additional traffic demand data; analyzing the potential impacts; conducting public outreach; and, determining the cost of the modifications.

Mr. Johnson noted that a one-way pair would tend to increase the travel time for individuals using the street but will significantly reduce delay at the major intersections of Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street.

Mr. Golonski was not supportive of proceeding with the evaluation, stating that the area residents will not be agreeable. He also noted that the congestion at the major intersections has been resolved with the re-timing of signals at Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street.

Mr. Vander Borght, Mrs. Ramos and Mr. Campbell were supportive of proceeding with the Chandler Boulevard operations study.

 

 

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday January 18, 2006
Top Story

Council eyes Chandler changes

City moving ahead with studies on making Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets for safety and traffic reasons.

By Mark R. Madler

NORTHWEST DISTRICT – The city is looking at making Chandler Boulevard into two, one-way streets to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on the bikeway.

The City Council has given the Public Works Department the go ahead to continue with additional studies and public outreach to gauge whether residents in the area would support the change.

But one council member told his colleagues to expect opposition to proposal.

"I can guarantee you people will not be happy when they understand the city is looking at making what are now two-way streets into one-way streets and dramatically changing traffic patterns," Councilman Dave Golonski said.

Chandler Boulevard includes two roadways with a bikeway separating the two. Safety, both for bikers and motorists, is the main reason the change is being looked at, city Traffic Engineer Ken Johnson said.

A study of congestion at intersections with Chandler Boulevard and traffic patterns found that it was logical to make the roads one-way in either direction, Johnson said.

"A one-way pair with those side streets would tend to increase the travel time of those using the streets," Johnson said. "On the other side of the scale the delay at the major intersections – Buena Vista and Hollywood Way – would be significantly reduced."

Chandler Boulevard resident Earl Ellis didn't have a strong opinion either way, but did see how residents living in the middle of a block would be inconvenienced.

"Without more cut-throughs, people might get upset," Ellis said.

James Marcellino, another boulevard resident supports making the street one-way if only to increase safety.

"Some drivers already think it's one-way and drive on the other side of the yellow line," Marcellino said. "With a one-way, drivers tend to stay in the middle of the street and away from the parked cars."

When stating his case for opposing the proposed change, Golonski said that the re-timing of lights at the intersections of Chandler Boulevard with Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street have solved congestion problems.

But Mayor Jef Vander Borght countered that the improving circulation at those two intersections was done to the detriment of Chandler Boulevard and pushed cars into using side streets.

Vander Borght added that he has seen people driving on the wrong side of Chandler because they did not understand the traffic patterns.

"We have to bite the bullet and start the process now," Vander Borght said. "If you were to design that street from scratch you would never consider making it two ways on both sides. It makes no sense."

The next step is to do a full engineering study and gauge the attitude of the neighborhood, Johnson said.

Councilman Todd Campbell asked that a future study take into consideration the potential for speeding.

"I imagine that with a one-way street there would be the potential for folks to want to speed a little faster," Campbell said.

QUESTION
Should Chandler Boulevard be made into two one-way streets? E-mail your responses to burbankleader @latimes.com; mail them to the Burbank Leader, 111 W. Wilson Ave., Glendale, CA 91203. Please spell your name and include your address and phone number for verification purposes only.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

The wrong way on Chandler Boulevard

As a homeowner and 18-year resident of Chandler Boulevard in Burbank, I would vehemently oppose the quest to change Chandler into two one-way streets ("Council eyes Chandler changes," Jan. 18).

Chandler north and Chandler south are two separate streets. The difference between them is no different than the difference between Burbank Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard, it's just that the two Chandlers are separated by perhaps 10 yards rather than an entire block. The functionality of two lanes on each side of the walkway is neither confusing nor hazardous, though it would become baffling and hideously inconvenient should the lanes become one-way.

With residents unable to turn the desired direction out of their homes, driving distances will increase dramatically as people are forced to circumnavigate their blocks. The number of intersections used per trip will increase, leading to more accidents. In all, traffic congestion will increase. With each side of Chandler representing two lanes in one direction, speeding would become rampant. Furthermore, since I've never seen another one-way residential street in Burbank, I think the likelihood of people driving the wrong way would increase dramatically. Contrary to the mayor's statements on the subject, I've never seen a wrong-way driver in the current configuration.

Burbank made a big improvement on Chandler with the walkway and the new signal configurations. Now it's time to leave well enough alone. Save the money, and save residents an immense frustration.

DAVID FREIBURGER
Burbank

Chandler change not right direction

This is in response to your Jan. 18 question, "Should Chandler Boulevard be made into two one-way streets?"

We do not support changing Chandler Boulevard to two one-way streets.

Our driving pattern would dramatically change as we live in the middle of one of the side streets. We would end up going out of our way when leaving or returning home.

We have resided on our street for 27 years and only encountered three cars driving on the wrong side of Chandler.

It is our opinion that traffic would increase as well as go faster. Of course, then the city could install speed bumps. We try to avoid those streets that have speed bumps.

Maybe we should sell our car and just walk all over town. By the way, it would be a waste of time and money to have a study.

DOMENIC AND ANITA VENNARI
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Forum

One-way changes not a cure-all
By By Steve Pinto

Talk of changing Chandler Boulevard to one way directions has arisen ("Council eyes Chandler changes," Jan. 18). Let's not notify Thomas Bros. just yet.

Arguments against the change – speeding, greater use of alleys, hindered access by emergency vehicles, longer traveling distance and disruption of residents' choices – are all valid points.

It's important to remember the bikeway is not a destination point, like a park or playground. It is a pathway down the middle of a boulevard. As such, its access and use depends on adherence to pedestrian and traffic laws.

While it may be aesthetically pleasing, there is an unrealistic expectation that changing it to one-way directions would solve a lot of problems. Alas, it may not.

Reconfiguration would not protect against errant pedestrians who jaywalk in the middle of the block or who blithely step off the curb without looking, expecting traffic to magically come to a halt. In fact, it may increase a false sense of security.

Reconfiguration will not protect against poor driving. Drivers who drive on the wrong side thinking it's a one-way street is not a reason to change to one-way. The question to ask is why should entire neighborhoods be disrupted because of incompetent drivers. Anyone who doesn't know what a double-yellow line means should not be on the road. If they make that mistake here, they can make it anywhere. Such drivers should be fined, not catered to.

Reconfiguration will not solve intersection confusion. Two cars approaching each other from opposite directions on Buena Vista will still find themselves nose-to-nose in the middle of the intersection trying to make opposite turns onto Chandler. Signage won't help a driver who's not careful.

Finally, suppose Chandler Boulevard is changed to one-way. After the first accident of someone driving the wrong way on a one-way street, questions will arise once again. I can hear the pundits now: "Maybe we should make it two-way."

* STEVE PINTO is a Burbank resident.

Council Agenda - City of Burbank
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Agenda Item - 9

CITY OF BURBANK
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM

DATE: February 21, 2006

TO: Mary J. Alvord, City Manager
FROM: Bonnie Teaford, Interim Public Works Director
By: Kenneth Johnson, Traffic Engineer

SUBJECT: Status Report Of Chandler Boulevard One-Way Pair Operation

PURPOSE
To provide Council with information on the potential for operating Chandler Boulevard as a one-way pair between Mariposa Street and Pass Avenue, and to obtain direction from Council on further study of Chandler Boulevard.

BACKGROUND
Council directed staff to investigate the potential for modifying the existing traffic operation on Chandler Boulevard from two bi-directional streets to a one-way pair operation between Mariposa Street and Pass Avenue. In November 2005, staff prepared a memorandum outlining the steps for a complete study of the street. The study included the following steps:

• Collect traffic demand data
• Prepare an analysis of impacts from the change
• Conduct public outreach
• Determine changeover costs
• Prepare a City Council report
• Develop a changeover plan

Staff has completed the initial elements of the study, and the public outreach component has begun with a discussion of the project with the Friends of Chandler Bikeway. We have also collected unsolicited comments from various sources.

ANALYSIS
A significant amount of preliminary work has been completed to collect technical data needed to evaluate the potential impacts associated with a one-way operation. The technical data include compiling an updated inventory of traffic control devices, conducting traffic counts, and compiling accident data. The traffic control devices on Chandler Boulevard are shown on Attachment 1. Traffic signals are installed at major streets and all other bikeway crossings are controlled by four-way stop controls. A number of the side streets have speed humps and Pass Avenue has a chocker. The distance between bikeway crossings is generally about 1,300 to 1,400 feet, but the sections between Keystone Street and Mariposa Street, and California Street and Buna Vista Street are over 2,600 feet in length.

Traffic Volume – Traffic demand data were collected at about every other intersecting street with Chandler Boulevard to get a sense of how much traffic would be affected by the change in traffic operation. The data, included in Attachment 2, shows that Chandler Boulevard carries between 4,000 and 5,000 vehicles per day over most of its length, while the minor intersecting streets carry between 300 and 600 vehicles per day. Minor streets that cross the bikeway carry between 1,000 and 2,500 vehicles per day.

Accidents – Accident data were reviewed for a 5 1/2 year period between January 2000 and July 2005 to identify any accident patterns along the street. A total of 39 accidents occurred in the study period, resulting in a fairly low accident incidence on Chandler Boulevard. The locations with the most accidents were Victory Boulevard (6), Buena Vista Street (6), and California Street (5). The accident tally included 31 intersection accidents and 8 non-intersection accidents. At least 25 percent of all intersection accidents were caused by wrong way drivers. Right angle intersection accidents also accounted for about 25 percent of the total, and one pedestrian accident was recorded at Keystone Street.

Trip Characteristics – One-way streets tend to increase trip length and travel, but the one-way operation also tends to reduce stopped delay because of more efficient operation of traffic controls. Travel time, travel distance and delay were estimated for Chandler Boulevard based on the volume of traffic on the side streets, the distance between bikeway crossings and the estimated volume of traffic diverted to other routes.

The one-way operation is expected to increase travel distance by local residents by about 4,000 miles per day, or about 1.2 million miles per year. Total time traveled is estimated to increase by about 50,000 hours per year, but total travel delay is expected to decrease because of increased efficiency of the traffic signals by about 700 hours per day, or 210,000 hours per year.

Other changes in trip characteristics will include diversion of traffic to other nearby major streets by local residents. It is also likely that Chandler Boulevard will become a more attractive route for through trips since delay at the traffic signals will be decreased. Travel speeds are not expected to change significantly.

Public Input – The public input component of the project is just beginning. Some indication of public reaction was garnered from the news media, telephone calls, and e-mails. The issue was also discussed at a recent meeting of the Friends of Chandler Bikeway. Although some expressions of support were offered, the public sentiment was overwhelmingly against the change to a one-way operation. About 80 percent of persons expressing an opinion were against the change.

FISCAL IMPACT
This operations study has had no fiscal impact.

RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests further direction from City Council on the scope and content of the Chandler Boulevard operations study.

Attachments: (unavailable)
Figure 1 – Chandler Boulevard Traffic controls
Figure 2 – Existing Traffic Demand

A N N O T A T E D
COUNCIL AGENDA - CITY OF BURBANK
Staff was directed to monitor the situation for six months and return with an update.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Politics - Front Page

Council delays one-way decision
By Chris Wiebe

BURBANK – Residents packed City Hall Tuesday night, the majority railing against the possibility of converting Chandler Boulevard into a one-way street.

"If this doesn't die the ignominious death it deserves, I ask the people of Chandler Boulevard to come out and fight for your rights," resident Dink O'Neal said. "Get your pitchforks and your torches, it's time to fight."

But a torch-bearing mob will not need storm City Hall just yet, as the Council opted to make no decision, and instead, directed staff to monitor volatile intersections on Chandler for another six months.

The continued monitoring will supplement a preliminary traffic analysis, conducted under assistant director of traffic engineering Ken Johnson, which recorded traffic patterns on Chandler. The report showed that Chandler is a "low-volume street," as are the intersecting roadways, Johnson said.

Despite residents' concerns about driver and pedestrian safety on Chandler, Johnson's preliminary analysis found Chandler a relatively safe street.

Residents also thought that a bulk of the accidents were caused by driver who thought the two-way road was one-way, but Johnson said that was not the case.

The majority of car accidents occur at major intersections on Chandler, he said.

The study also looked at the possibility of making Chandler a one-way street.

Such a conversion would reduce delays for regular traffic, but increase the delay for residents living near the boulevard, Johnson said. Residents would have to take a more round-about path to their homes, increasing their travel time by 50,000 hours annually, he found.

Other drivers, however, would avoid 200,000 hours a year in delays due to stoplight timing, most notably at the Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way intersections, he said.

"It's a more efficient operation, which is logical for a one-way operation, but it wouldn't be any safer because it's a pretty safe street now," Johnson told the council.

Mayor Jef Vander Borght urged continued support for the study, saying that traffic efficiency pales in comparison to safety issues, but said if other Council members thought the study was a waste of time, he was willing to forego extended research.

There are pros and cons to the idea, but turning Chandler into a one-way street is not the solution, Councilman David Golonski said. Neighbors rejected the idea 10 years ago, and current surveys show 80% of residents still oppose it, he said.

"I believe it's smarter to leave it the way it is and do what we can to improve safety," he added.

Councilman Todd Campbell, on the other hand, said a one-way Chandler is inevitable.

"Whether or not we take it up now or in the future, it will happen because ultimately the people are complaining about traffic backing up," he said.

The preliminary analysis provides no definitive conclusions beyond increased traffic efficiency of Chandler near Buena Vista and Hollywood Way, Johnson said.

The following is Robert G. Phipps' position, written February 26, 2006. It has been distributed to approximately 3,000 households on Chandler and the adjacent blocks. It has also been distributed to the City Council, City Manager, and local realtors.

Sunday, February 26, 2006
Paving Chandler With Good Intentions
© Robert G. Phipps February 15, 2006

RESPONSE to the question, "Should Chandler Boulevard be made into two one-way streets?"posed on the front page of the January 18, 2006 Burbank Leader in the story, "Council Eyes Chandler Changes"

THESIS
The recent proposal by certain Burbank politicians and city employees to change Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets, from it’s current configuration of two two-way streets, in order to increase safety and reduce congestion, is well-intended; but a thorough analysis of the results of the proposed change demonstrates that they would be the opposite of those intended.

ARGUMENT
From a recent article in the "Burbank Leader," I have learned that certain people want to turn Chandler Boulevard from two two-way streets into two one-way streets. They cite the following objectives for their reasons:

• Safety for bicyclists
• Safety for automobile drivers
• Reduction in congestion at the Chandler intersections with Buena Vista and Hollywood Way

These are laudable objectives. Let’s take a look at what would happen to these objectives if, what I’ll call, these "One-Way People" get their way.

The first thing I would like to address is nomenclature. The use of the terms "Bikeway" or "Walkway" for the median between the two Chandler roadways is, like some minds, too narrow. They were terms created, most likely, on the basis of assumptions about who would use the median, rather than from experience. I’m going to call the median a "Pathway." I have driven Chandler Boulevard and walked the pathway for some twenty-three years, during most of which it contained railroad tracks on a dirt road-bed rather than lawn-bordered concrete. I walk it everyday, now, with my dog, once in the morning, often again in the afternoon, and sometimes in the evening.

I can tell you from experience (and that’s what this piece will be based on, experience, not theories), that it is used not only by bicyclists and walkers, but roller-bladers, skateboarders, skooter riders, trike users — both adult and child, joggers, runners — individual runners and large groups of runners training for marathon races, dog-walkers, old people with metal walkers and their old dogs, people pushing babies in strollers — both running and walking, people pushing dogs! in strollers, people pulling babies in wagons, groups of families and friends—young people and old — ambling along and talking, people on crutches, and infirm people in wheelchairs and motorized carts; and I’m sure there are others I haven’t seen or don’t remember. I’m going to call all these people and animals "Users of the Pathway," and assume that the one-way people would advocate safety for all of them.

CONGESTION
Some one-way people say there is unacceptable congestion at Chandler and the intersections of Hollywood Way and Buena Vista. I drive all three of those streets nearly every day at many different hours of the day from as early as 6:00 a.m. to after midnight. I personally do not notice any disagreeable congestion, and I am led to believe by comments from Councilman Dave Golonski in the "Burbank Leader," that any congestion that may have existed, has been satisfactorily reduced or eliminated by re-timing the signals at those intersections.

In any event, this issue by itself would not warrant making the change that the one-way people propose. And sometimes a little congestion or forced speed-reduction is a good thing because it slows traffic down to acceptable speeds when it is otherwise going dangerously fast. The traffic department of the city has affirmatively utilized this method numerous times, as evidenced by the speed bumps on Pass Avenue, California, Keystone, and other streets throughout the city.

And it is important to note that, just as speed bumps were used to decrease speed on those streets, nothing should be done to increase speed on Chandler or to encourage its use to get between the two large intersections of Buena Vista and Hollywood Way. Chandler runs through a residential area, not a commercial area the way Burbank and Magnolia Boulevards do. That is their purpose, to get more quickly from one place to another.

SAFETY FOR USERS OF THE PATHWAY
What is it that causes roadway accidents?

From articles I’ve read in the "Los Angeles Times" and "Burbank Leader," from talking to police officers and traffic personnel, and from years of first-hand driving experience, I’ve learned that, discounting driver-impairment or distraction, a disproportionate number of accidents occur at or by the following:

Intersections, especially busy ones (For example, from the "Burbank Leader" I learned that Burbank Boulevard and Buena Vista is the most accident-prone intersection in the city, and on Friday, February 17, at about 9:00 a.m., I saw the proof of it when I came across a bad accident at that intersection.)

• Busy streets
  
• Speeding cars
  
• Locations and situations that cause driver-frustration (such as Five-Points)

What’s going to happen to Chandler Boulevard if the one-way people prevail? It will become two roadways with two lanes going each direction. To know what that means, we don’t have to theorize or make assumptions. We only need to look at Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood, between Tujunga and Van Nuys Boulevards where it consists of two two-lane one-way roads separated by a median, the same as the one-way people are proposing for Burbank.

I have driven this section of Chandler in North Hollywood recently at different times of day and night to see what it was like. Most cars there travel between 35 and 45 miles per hour. Most cars on Chandler in Burbank travel between 25 and 35 miles per hour. It is evident that the increased speed is due to the existence of two lanes going in the same direction. And there is no reason to believe that drivers in Burbank would be any less eager to get where they’re going than those anywhere else (and as we all know from experience, for many drivers, posted speed-limits won’t restrict them, but only the speed beyond which they no longer feel in control or safe — from accident or ticket).

If streets widen — as with two same-direction lanes — and therefore the perceived risk of collision is lowered, drivers will go faster. And due to this faster speed, more drivers will be encouraged to use Chandler as a quicker way to get from Buena Vista to Hollywood Way or vice versa, than by using Magnolia or Burbank Boulevards. This will only increase the amount of traffic — faster traffic — from what it is now.

Now, faster speed does not pose such a problem in North Hollywood because for approximately half of the nearly four-mile distance, there is a fenced-off busway running down the median, not a pathway for non-motorists; and the remainder has the median lined with trees; again, not used by non-motorists.

But in Burbank, every single one of the users of the pathway, must cross Chandler — either one side or the other — in order to get there. How can anyone seriously talk about the users of the pathway being safer when they will have to cross a two-lane road with too much traffic going too fast. And what would we tell them to do, cross at a signal-controlled intersection? What if they live several blocks from an intersection and are in a wheel chair, or pushing a stroller, or walking their dog, or on crutches, or are old with a walker, or a little kid running out, or just an ordinary person who is distracted or doesn’t want to be forced arbitrarily to go out of his or her way to inconveniently do something he or she has done easily for years?

People cross Chandler to the pathway at the street on which they live, and that’s not going to change. All that will happen is that some of them will be hit by cars because they thought they could get across the two lanes in time but couldn’t, because the cars were going too fast and two lanes was just too far, or because a car in one lane stopped for them but the driver coming up behind in the lane next to them didn’t see the person crossing in front of the stopped car and ploughed into them when they emerged. How many times has each of us seen this nearly happen or nearly been a party to it.

And what will happen to the bike riders when they try to cross the intersections of Buena Vista and Hollywood Way, and are confronted by motorists who then will be forced to make a U-turn from one side of Chandler—through the intersection—to the other side of Chandler, because they can no longer cross over and drive between the two intersections? And then when this happens, what will the one-way people do? They’ll say, "Well, let’s put speed bumps in and slow the cars down." And they’ll take us right back to where we are right now, only having wasted a tremendous amount of money and having created many other problems besides.

SAFETY FOR DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES
What will happen to motor vehicle traffic and safety if Chandler is changed to two one-way streets?

As mentioned, I have lived within a block of Chandler for some twenty-three years, four years south of Chandler on Lincoln between Buena Vista and Keystone, and nineteen years north of Chandler on Naomi between Buena Vista and Hollywood Way. Most every day, I travel to Magnolia or Burbank Boulevard to shop at one or more businesses.

On Magnolia, I shop at Do-It Center, Bank of America, a Mobil gas station, the Handy Market, the Hollywoof dog groomers (recently moved from Buena Vista and Victory), the Donut Hut, Pinocchio’s restaurant, Kenny’s Plumbing, Sure-Fit car upholsterers, and many other stores; and on Burbank Boulevard, I shop at Conroy’s florist, Chili John’s, Corral Café, Dino’s Pizzeria, Buchanan Arms restaurant, HWB car wash and other locations.

To get to these locations, I travel the large streets (Magnolia, Burbank, Buena Vista, and Hollywood Way) and through the main intersections as seldom as possible. And when I do have to go on one of them, I try not to make left turns, but only right turns, and then preferably at a signal-controlled intersection.

For example, to go from my house to Pinocchio’s and back, I go south on Naomi to Chandler North, turn right and go six blocks to California. Then I stop and turn left and then make another quick left onto Chandler South heading east and go two blocks to Fairview. Then I turn right and go one block to Magnolia where Pinocchio’s is located on the north-west corner. Then I turn right on Magnolia and park, either on the street in front of the restaurant or in their lot, half a block down.

To get home, I go out the back of the parking lot to Ontario, the next street to the west. I go north on Ontario one block to Chandler South, turn left and go one block to California, turn right and right again quickly onto Chandler North, then go six blocks to Naomi, turn left and drive home. Going both ways, I will have had to travel a busy street (Magnolia) a total of one-half of a block. I have not increased traffic nor the chance of an accident for more time or space than that, on an already busy street which has more cars traveling at faster speeds, and thus, a higher possibility for accidents than those I traveled. I have had two comfortable, stress-free drives of from 25 to 30 miles per hour and felt very content and safe doing it.

Now, what will I have to do get to Pinocchio’s and back if Chandler is turned into two one-way streets?

I will assume that if the Chandler streets were made one-way, that the north side would go west, and the south side, east. This would fit with North Hollywood’s directions, and it would allow drivers in both directions to turn right against red lights at the main intersections.

Based on that assumption, my drive to Pinocchio’s would be the same as it is now. But going home, I would have to travel an additional block on Magnolia, turn right at California and take that (over speed bumps which I—like most other drivers I know — prefer not to traverse if possible) to Burbank Boulevard. Then I would have to turn right and take that busy street for six blocks to Naomi, before I could get home. I would have had to take busy, higher-traffic, higher-speed streets for seven blocks more than I do now. This will increase the likelihood of an auto accident for both me and the other drivers I come near. Changing Chandler will not have made it safer for motor vehicle drivers, but, in fact, more dangerous.

I could repeat this mapping exercise with the other places at which I shop, but the outcome would be the same or worse. What matters is that every day I would have to enter more busy streets and busy intersections than I do now, which would only increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries for both me and other drivers.

Now, this is my story. Am I alone?

By using a map of Burbank and seeing that the north-south streets one block north and south of Chandler are the same length, and by counting those streets and counting the number of houses on three of them, I have calculated that there are some 3,000 houses in the rectangle between the boundaries of Mariposa and Clybourn on the east and west, and Burbank and Magnolia Boulevards on the north and south. I will estimate that there is an average of two drivers and cars per household and conclude that there are approximately 6,000 drivers in that area which are liable to travel Chandler at any given time, and I will assume that most of these drivers enjoy stress-free, lower risk drives like I do.

What is the significance of this? It means that on any given day or night, for 6,000 people who live within a block of Chandler, they will have to make drives that take longer and have a greater likelihood for accidents and injuries than the drives they make now. And, of course, most of those accidents will be collisions with someone else who is traveling a main busy street, and that accident would not have happened if the first driver were not there, i.e., if they were on a low-speed, low-risk street the way they are now.

And then there’s another change — the one that will be made by those drivers who do not wish to drive on the busy streets: They will drive to their own side streets using the alleys instead of Burbank and Magnolia Boulevards. And, as we all know who have driven those alleys, due to walls and hedges and parked cars, it is very difficult to see pedestrians or cars coming when we emerge from the alley: the result? More risky intersections, more accidents, more injuries.

And one other thing: Sometimes it can be difficult to make even right turns on busy streets, because it is difficult to see down the line to the left past cars parked on the street we wish to enter. We inch out and get ready to commit to a turn, only to be confronted by a car that is quickly upon us because it was traveling too fast, and we couldn’t see it. That happens now on Burbank and Magnolia Boulevards, and to a lesser extent on Chandler. The risk of accident and injury in these right turns will only increase, when, due to two same-direction lanes, traffic is going faster than is does now. Moreover, with cars moving faster, the people who live and park their cars on Chandler, will have a considerably more difficult and dangerous time trying to enter and exit their parked vehicles than they do now.

Turning Chandler into two one-way streets, not only will not make the area safer for motor vehicle drivers; it will make it decidedly more dangerous.

And what about the voiced concern that drivers now go the wrong way on Chandler because of confusion over proper traffic flow? Well, as I’ve said, I have walked and driven Chandler most every day, during all different hours, for some twenty-three years. In all that time I have come across maybe three or four people who have been driving on Chandler in the wrong direction. And do you know what happened? Nothing. There were no accidents. Why? Because they were traveling at a slow rate of speed, which is what the current configuration of Chandler promotes. When I saw someone coming toward me in the wrong direction, I stopped my car and flashed my lights off and on, and the other driver saw me and soon realized they were on the wrong side of the road and moved over to the correct side.

My guess is that there has never been a collision on Chandler that was caused by someone traveling the wrong direction, or if there have been any, they were at such low speeds that no one was injured. But increase the average speed by 10 miles per hour — which is what will happen if traffic becomes one-way — and then put someone there going the wrong way — which will happen because there will be drivers who remembered the old way, and weren’t aware of the change — and then you’ll have your collisions, and your injuries. Once again, Chandler will have become more dangerous, not less. This issue is a red-herring.

MY ASSUMPTIONS
I’m going to assume that the one-way people are sincere in their desire to "correct" what they perceive is a problem, and to make this part of the city safer, and that they’re not just trying to meddle for nothing better to do. But I’m also going to assume a few other things about them:

They do not live within a block of Chandler and thus do not have experience for their beliefs.

They have not recently traveled Chandler Boulevard in North Hollywood between Tujunga and Van Nuys Boulevards — at different times of night and day.

None of them has really thought through — with travel or map — the implications of the change they propose.

They have heard of a perceived problem, and come to a quick conclusion — without investigation — as to the "only solution," instead of properly conducting investigations first, and then letting the results suggest alternative answers.

They have become short-sighted to suppose that the traffic professionals of a prior generation did not understand the safety implications of a one-way, two-lane road versus a two-lane, one-way street or come to a well-investigated and well-reasoned decision that has served — and continues to serve — Burbank residents — pathway users and drivers, alike — safely and well.

CONCLUSION
Turning Chandler into two one-way streets will increase the speed of motor vehicles; encourage more drivers to use Chandler as a thoroughfare between Buena Vista and Hollywood Way; force local residents to take unwanted, longer, more dangerous routes on busy, higher-risk streets, intersections, and/or alleys; increase the risk of making right turns; increase the danger to residents entering and exiting their parked cars on Chandler; and increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries to users of the pathway and to motorists. The results will be the exact opposite of those desired.

And one other minor thing, due to many people not wanting to live on or near a fast-traffic street that is dangerous to their children, their pets, or themselves, there will be fewer buyers for properties in the area, and this, of course, will make property values go down. We will become North Hollywood-East.

Creating a mess through good intentions still leaves a mess. And the measures needed to then correct it (in this case, speed bumps, more boulevard stops, making alleys one-way-only, and who knows what else) would only make things worse.

Chandler ain’t broke, my friends; and as the saying goes, "If it ain’t broke,…" You know the rest.

(If you would like to get involved in keeping Chandler Blvd. safe, contact me)

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Proactive approach to Chandler needed
COMMUNITY COMMENTARY
By Bob Olson

The news report on the Chandler one-way agenda item picked up resident Dink O'Neal's comment about residents' defending their rights with pitchforks ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25). He made another, more provocative, remark. In dismissing my expressed concerns at the meeting for the safety of the bikeway users, he remarked that the absence of bodies does not mean they are yet to come. Given the context, I interpreted that to mean that since no bikeway user has been injured by a car to date, it's not a justifiable concern to think that it won't happen at some future date. By my observation, the room was not packed with opponents. It was mostly the same regular council speakers for whom Chandler was this week's cause. For me, O'Neal's remark was worrisome as well as reactive.

I was dismayed to think that those in attendance may have shared that sentiment without reservation.

The bikeway was funded with public money to provide a public benefit. It has created issues of traffic flow and user safety. It is clearly important to hear from the locals on matters of traffic, but they are not the only users of Chandler and not the only voice to be heard when public safety is also at issue.

It is my strongly held belief that at the end of the day, the issue of the Chandler configuration should be heavily weighted toward an assessment of the risk to public safety. It is not enough to say that it is safe because no injuries or deaths to bikeway users have occurred. That totally marginalizes the potential risk factors.

The information-gathering process, at least as it relates to public safety, needs to continue vigorously. It should not be shelved in deference to an over-the-top notion that locals may respond by defending the status quo with revolutionary zeal.

If the assessed risk and public safety facts favor a different Chandler configuration, then that would be an essential point at which to examine carefully the one-way pair from all angles. It is impossible for me to imagine that any Burbank parent or grandparent would oppose putting safety first or that the safety of bikeway users of all ages will only be at issue if someone shows them the bodies.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Chandler changes not the right path

Some Burbank politicians want to turn Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets ? for "safety and reduced congestion," they say. But the change ("Council eyes Chandler changes," Jan. 18) would cause the exact opposite results.

I've lived near Chandler for 23 years. I drive the area every day and night. I can tell you, there is no disagreeable congestion. And in that time I've seen maybe three or four people going the wrong direction.

There were no accidents. Speeds were slow, I flashed my lights, they moved over. These are non-issues.

Driving Chandler in North Hollywood shows the change would increase car speeds about 10 mph.

More people would take Chandler between Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way, and there would be more accidents involving both motorists and non-motorists. Everyone who uses the Chandler bikeway, must cross Chandler to get there, including bicyclists, walkers, runners, roller-bladers, people with dogs and baby strollers and many others. They would all have to cross two lanes of faster traffic, and some would get hit – often by the second car coming from behind.

Local residents would have to go long distances out of their way on busy streets, dangerous intersections, or high-risk alleys to go where they safely go now.

People who park on Chandler would be at greater risk getting in and out of their cars.

And with greater speed and danger, property values in the area would go down.

ROBERT G. PHIPPS
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Chandler shouldn't change lanes

I have just been advised about the Chandler Boulevard turning into two one-way streets proposal ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25).

The city has got to be joking. Please do not do that to Chandler Boulevard; it is just fine the way it is. The city is trying to make it unsafe for us not safer.

I live on Catalina Street between Chandler and Magnolia Boulevard. I have lived here for seven years. I grew up on Frederic Street between Clark Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard. We bought our house here because we like these streets; our street is not a through street. We were so excited when the bike path was put in; now it will be ruined for us – making it unsafe to cross from my block to get to the path.

You tell me what street has more accidents? Chandler Boulevard or Magnolia Boulevard.

Why do we want to make Chandler like Magnolia or Burbank Boulevard?

When I leave my block I would have to make a right, then at Buena Vista Street make another right, and then another right back on to Chandler if I want to go the other way. That is absolutely ridiculous. How is that going to make traffic better at Buena Vista.

I am sure I will not be the only one doing this.

Why doesn't the city fix the lights at Buena Vista and Hollywood Way, put some signs up with arrows so people who pass through? who do not know the area? can know what direction they are supposed to go?

My 15-year-old goes on the bike path with his friends everyday after school; my husband and I push our 2-year-old in her stroller all the time. If it is made into a one-way street, people will be going faster, they will go around the car that is in front of them going slower. Just like they do on Magnolia and Burbank Boulevard.

If there was a walkway in the middle of Magnolia or Burbank would you want to push you baby on it? People go a lot faster on those streets, why do we want to make Chandler one of these streets? People will start using it more because they will be able to go just as fast as on those streets (people do not go the posted speed limits).

I do not want my son, on his bike, to cross the street from the end of my block to get to the bike path, or myself with my baby; it will be too dangerous to cross.

I am sure city officials don't live in the area because if you did I am sure this would not have come to this.

I sure hope the city does more research and sends out information for us who live in the area; we should be able to vote on this.

Chandler has been like this my whole 35 years of life; it is just fine. You are not going to make it safer for the people on the bike path. It will be more unsafe with people driving faster.

Please do not change Chandler.

DARLA CHRYSIKOS
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Let's stop and think about Chandler

As I understand it, someone will occasionally mistake Chandler Boulevard for a one-way street and drive down the wrong side of the road ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25). In response to this problem, the City Council is considering making Chandler into two, one-way streets. Apparently analysts have been analyzing, consultants have been consulting, and politicians have been posturing about this for months.

Let's just stop and think for a moment. In order to make Chandler a pair of one-way streets, it will be necessary to put up hundreds of one-way arrow signs. There will probably be arrows painted on the pavement indicating the correct traffic direction. Traffic lights will have to be rearranged. Stop signs will have to be moved. Thousands of people will have to change their driving patterns.

Here's a thought: why not just put up hundreds of "two-way traffic" signs and paint two-way arrows on the pavement and walk away?

JOHN GILMAN
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Reason lacking in council decisions

What is the matter with you people, meaning our Burbank City Council?

Years ago another group of City Council members closed all the Chandler Boulevard cross streets except five of them ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25). Then, after 40 years or more you were responsible for finally removing the railroad tracks and giving us, the people of Burbank, a lovely walkway and bike path. It was a positive move.

Now, you would have us peons (thank you Bob Kramer) believe it is our best interest to make Chandler Boulevard two one-way streets. One side directed to the east and one side directed to the west.

Oh, I don't think so. I can't recall anyone asking me how I felt about it, or, for that matter, anyone I know. And I live on one of the through streets!

What is the matter with you people?

Oh, and while I'm at it, after living in my home more than 43 years, I am told I may have to move my fences and trees and bushes on my front yard because of a couple of people who collected signatures because they were unhappy? ("Existing fences can stay," March 11)

What is the matter with you people?

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Kudos to Barbara Buchanan whose Mailbag letter, "Two complaints seem to pack punch," which was printed on the Feb. 25-26 weekend Leader.

BARBARA MARKS
Burbank

Chandler should not become a speedway

I am completely against making Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25).

It would add more traffic on Burbank Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard.

It would also turn Chandler into a speedway, causing more problems for people using the new walkway.

I think the signals need to be reset for traffic on both sides of Chandler; the waiting period is much too long.

JUDY BUTLER
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday, March 25, 2006

Here are a few of the issues the council will consider Tuesday night.

BIKEWAY SIGNAL CHANGES

To make the Chandler Bikeway safer, the council will receive a report from staff on adjustments to be made to traffic signals at Chandler Boulevard and Buena Vista Street and Hollywood Way and Chandler Boulevard.

The goal is to relieve congestion while also providing safe crossing for users of the Chandler Bikeway. The changes would be made in several steps to minimize driver confusion.

WHAT TO EXPECT The council doesn't need to take action. It's a staff decision.

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday April 1, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Chandler change would upset the peace

Please, no way can the city change this route into a one-way highway on either side of our new "park." ("Council delays one-way decision," Feb. 25)

As absurd as it is, this two-way street situation on both sides was created because of an old railroad track and now it is part of life in Burbank. I have lived on Ontario Street and Chandler Boulevard for 14 years and can vouch that finally, since the "bicycle" path was created, traffic has begun to respect the speed limits posted, and police are monitoring the traffic. One-way, two-lane roads would turn my peace into a sleeping hell again. Please mind your other issues in Burbank's development and let us bask in our new peaceful community on Chandler Boulevard.

MARK GARBARINO
Burbank

Published LA Daily News
Tuesday April 4, 2006

Chandler proposal has locals taking to street
By Jason Kandel, Staff Writer

BURBANK - Robert Phipps was so angered by the idea of changing Chandler Boulevard's unusual configuration - twin two-way streets separated by a bike path - that he is going door to door, passing out fliers.

Making two one-way streets, going opposite directions on each side of the bike path, would cause traffic to speed up, endangering the people who use the bike path opened in 2004 on an old railroad right-of-way, the Burbank resident said.

"More cars, faster speeds," said Phipps, 65, a retired attorney, who has lived on Naomi Street between Chandler and Burbank boulevards for nearly two decades.

"Everyone uses the pathway – walkers, dog walkers, bicycle riders, people on motorized carts, rollerbladers, scooter-pushers, skateboarders. Every person who uses it must cross Chandler to get there and back. If we had to cross two lanes of faster traffic it would be extremely dangerous."

The idea of changing Chandler came up during an examination of how to improve traffic flow at two confusing intersections - Hollywood Way at Chandler and Buena Vista Street at Chandler.

Those intersections have delays and back up during peak driving hours, city officials said.

The delays were caused in part when the city retimed the signals because of the new bike path. The signal timing changed to give bicyclists and pedestrians more time to cross Chandler's twin streets and to ensure the bikeway was free of vehicles whenever bicyclists or pedestrians were present, officials said.

Last discussed by city officials in January, the idea has been put on the back burner, but officials are continuing to take public input and studying options, said Bonnie Teaford, the city's interim public works director.

"It's very complicated," Teaford said of Chandler's traffic configuration. "It would simplify the signal timing because you'd have one side of Chandler only going in one direction and the other side of Chandler going in the other direction."

A city report issued in January said changing Chandler's twin streets to one-way routes could increase the distance motorists travel, enable motorists to drive faster and increase the volume of traffic at some intersections and in alleys parallel to Chandler.

"Alley usage may increase in an effort to circumvent the one-way operation," according to a report issued in January by Ken Johnson, a city traffic engineer. "The increased traffic is detrimental to garage access."

Speed is what concerns Phipps most. He said he drove Chandler between Tujunga Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard - where two lanes go in each direction on either side of a median - twice in the daytime and twice in the evening. Speeds averaged between 35 to 45 mph in a posted 35 mph zone, he said.

In Burbank, on the other hand, he said he gauged most drivers going between 25 and 35 mph in a 30 mph zone.

"People go slower," he said. "It's old people. It's residents. We want to keep it that way."

Chandler resident Dan Scott said he agrees with Phipps that changing the street will lead to motorists speeding through his neighborhood, endangering children on the bike path.

"I think it's a horrible idea," said Scott, 49, a detective sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "We want the City Council to listen to us. We do not want the Indianapolis Speedway in our backyard."

jason.kandel@dailynews.com
(818) 546-3306

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday April 5, 2006
Front Page - Top Story

Helping to keep Chandler Park safe
Residents construct website to oppose Chandler Boulevard proposed changes.
By Chris Wiebe

NORTHWEST BURBANK – Community opposition to making Chandler Boulevard into two, one-way streets has spread to the Internet, as several Chandler Park residents have launched a "Keeping Chandler Park Safe" website.

Though the idea of converting Chandler into a one-way street has progressed no further than a preliminary study, opponents hope to hedge off any possible changes to the street with their grass-roots campaign.

"We want anyone who's thinking along these lines to know that it's a bad idea and not ever to bring it up again," said Chandler Park resident Robert Phipps, who has provided much of the force behind the campaign.

Since the City Council initiated the Chandler study in January, Phipps has distributed more than 2,000 pamphlets along Chandler Boulevard and adjacent streets. "Paving Chandler With Good Intentions," a position paper that Phipps penned, lays out a case against turning Chandler into a one-way street.

Phipps argues that the speed of traffic would increase as a result of the change, subjecting motorists and people who use the Chandler bikeway to heightened risk.

"[The city] created this lovely pathway and everyone who uses it must cross Chandler to get to it," Phipps said. "If you can imagine traffic going 10 mph faster – it would be incredibly dangerous."

A one-way Chandler would also lead drivers to utilize the street as a thoroughfare between Buena Vista Boulevard and Hollywood Way, he said. For residents who live near Chandler, the change would result in complicated and indirect travel routes.

"It would be a labyrinth trying to go between Burbank Boulevard and Magnolia [Boulevard]," Phipps said.

The Public Works Department delivered a preliminary report on Chandler traffic patterns to the council on Feb 21. The findings revealed that Chandler was a relatively safe street with low traffic volume, said Ken Johnson, assistant director of traffic engineering. The council directed Johnson and his staff to continue the analysis for another six months.

Council members' opinions were divided when the council last discussed the issue. Councilman Dave Golonski questioned the need for making Chandler into a one-way street in light of mounting public opposition, while Mayor Jeff Vander Borght urged continued analysis of Chandler to assure the street is as safe as possible.

"At this time it seems that the residents that would be most impacted by any change of configuration are adamantly opposed to it," said Councilwoman Marsha Ramos. "I'm not one to force the issue, but we do need to educate ourselves."

The Public Works Department will start collecting additional information on Chandler in about two months, Johnson said. That will involve reviewing accident data from the Police Department, monitoring traffic volume and possibly installing temporary cameras to see how pedestrians and drivers treat safety devices at major intersections, he said. The Buena Vista and Hollywood Way intersections would be likely locations for cameras, Johnson added.

One-way streets work to reduce areas of congestion, where accidents tend to happen most often, Johnson said. Since initial analysis showed Chandler to be a safe street, making it one-way will have little effect on traffic safety, he said.

"Since we don't have many accidents, it's not going to change much," he said.

Cities also install one-way streets as a way to increase traffic efficiency, Johnson said. One-way streets may have little impact in Burbank due to the way the city's streets are laid out, he said.

"Generally speaking you need some adjacent streets that carry traffic for a distance to make it as efficient as possible for a one-way operation," Johnson said. "And we just don't have that in Burbank."

* CHRIS WIEBE covers City Hall and the courts. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at chris.wiebelatimes.com.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday April 5, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Chandler should not be one-way streets

Regarding the question of whether Chandler Boulevard should be made into two one-way streets:

I have lived on Myers Street, just a block from Chandler, for 60 years, and I'm very much against making it two one-way streets. I think the people who live in that area and use Chandler a lot should be the ones to determine that issue instead of someone who may never use it but has a theory of what might be a good idea.

I live south of Burbank Boulevard and avoid the five-point intersection when at all possible, so I use Chandler a lot to get to Magnolia and downtown.

There are few cross streets, so many people would have to drive blocks out of their way to go in that direction. For instance, someone living on Griffith Park Drive would have to drive eight blocks west to get to Keystone Street, cross over and drive back nine blocks to Mariposa Street instead of just driving one block east to Mariposa.

In all my 60 years here, I have seen only one accident along Chandler, so I don't think safety is a factor. It could be a factor if it's changed to one-way. For instance, some of the people in the area might slip up once in awhile just by habit and drive the direction they are used to. Please consider the opinions of the people most affected by the proposed change.

HARRIET ROBINETT
Burbank

Logic – or lack of it – sounds familiar

The same person who came up with the Victory/Burbank boulevard intersection design must be responsible for the idea of changing Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets. The traffic flow in Burbank is horrendous and getting worse. The residents in Burbank need to be saved from all this insanity. Does anyone in City Hall have a clue as to what problems we have driving the streets in our beautiful city?

BETTY VANOLE
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Saturday April 8, 2006

EDITORIAL:
Only one way to go in two-way debate

The city's proposal to change Chandler Boulevard into two one-way streets is a misdirected idea.

Making the boulevard into two one-way streets would force nearby residents to endure faster speeds near their homes and would seriously complicate their travel routes.

And why?

There doesn't seem to be all that much of a reason to transform Chandler Boulevard from two two-way streets – as it is now – into two one-way streets.

If the reason is public safety, as City Councilman Jef Vander Borght has pointed out in his support for a study of the idea, he and anyone else who may support the conversion would do well to listen to the city's own traffic engineer, who said going one-way with Chandler would have a negligible effect on traffic safety. In fact the city's initial analysis showed that Chandler, as it is, is safe.

On the flip side, city officials have found that one-way streets are designed to lessen congestion at accident-prone areas, and converting the street would avoid 200,000 hours a year in delays because of stoplights. Traffic would move along much more quickly. But even Vander Borght has stressed safety, not efficiency, in arguing for continued traffic analysis on Chandler. It's about safety. And the city's initial analysis showed that Chandler, as it is, is safe. The one thing we do know is that effects won't be negligible on the people who live near Chandler. And their interests, because they live and play near the street, should be most important here.

A conversion would force the people most affected by the changes to find alternate routes to get to and from home – routes that would be longer and more complex. Change can be good, but how do you tell residents who have traveled the current Chandler configuration for years to all of a sudden change to a less efficient way to get home, especially when there's no solid reason that the change would contribute to public safety?

Have people been clamoring to make Chandler two one-way streets? Just the opposite, from what we can gather. In fact, as was reported Wednesday, a whole website has been devoted to stopping the two-way option.

We can't really blame them.

If city officials want to reconfigure Chandler, they should make it clearer just what the benefits will be, and those benefits should include how local residents will reap the rewards.

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday April 12, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

City shouldn't change Chandler Boulevard

Regarding the Jan. 18 question, "Should Chandler Boulevard be made into two one-way streets?" No. Chandler Boulevard should not be made into two one-way streets. Keep it as it is now.

SHIRLEY BEARDSLEY
Burbank

Published Burbank Leader
Wednesday April 15, 2006
Forum MAILBAG

Changes would bring only chaos

Changing Chandler Boulevard to two one-way streets will only bring havoc to our fine Chandler Park community ("Helping to keep Chandler Park safe," April 5). The signals at Hollywood Way and Buena Vista could still use some adjustments, especially for Chandler drivers turning right across the bikeway (or pathway, as some like to call it) when there are bikeway users also crossing. But Chandler itself is working fine. No changes needed.

Burbank worked many years making the bikeway vision a reality. It is widely used and enjoyed daily by the community. Changing the street direction will be a detriment to the bikeway, it's users and the neighborhood. I see no advantage to the change. If you are unsure how the community feels, read what has been published about the one-way issue at http://geocities.com/chandlerpark@pacbell.net/.

If you are interested in how the Chandler bikeway came about, there are articles and links about it's history on the website also.

ILAYNE LUCAS
Burbank

Changes would dilute reason for move

I live between Chandler and Burbank, just west of Buena Vista. I do not want to see Chandler made into a busy traffic street ("Helping to keep Chandler Park safe," April 5).

I'm willing to be that there are hundreds if not thousands of my neighbors that feel the same.

My wife and I use the Chandler bike path two or three times a day. I can't imagine trying to cross a two-lane, same-direction street with cars cutting through the city at 40 mph.  

Also, we don't have kids, but many people on our block do.

The kids enjoy pla