Beverly Hills Consider Road Restriping for Safety on Benedict Canyon Drive

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Illustration of the proposed road restriping to enhance safety on Benedict Canyon Drive.

News Summary

In response to safety concerns from residents, the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission has approved a road restriping proposal for Benedict Canyon Drive. The initiative aims to address speeding and dangerous driving conditions that have led to accidents. Proposed changes include modifying lane widths. Although some residents oppose the project, the commission believes this cost-effective solution could enhance safety and traffic flow. The final decision will be made by the City Council.

Beverly Hills – Residents of Benedict Canyon Drive may soon see changes to their street’s layout following a recent decision by the Beverly Hills Traffic and Parking Commission, which approved a road restriping proposal on June 5. The proposal is now set to be sent to the full City Council for further consideration.

The initiative emerged from resident complaints regarding unsafe driving conditions in the area, including excessive speeding and dangerous passing maneuvers. Such issues have reportedly led to several car accidents and property damage. The city staff report highlighted that the street’s width might be contributing to these safety concerns, as Benedict Canyon Drive spans approximately 40 feet wide, featuring two travel lanes on each side for parking.

A 2023 study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health supports the notion that wider travel lanes are linked to higher speeds and increased crash risks. To address these safety issues, the proposed road work includes painting edge lines that would adjust the travel lanes to 11 feet wide and parking lanes to 9 feet on both sides of the street.

During the June 5 meeting, public feedback was mixed, with several residents expressing opposition to the restriping project. Long-time resident Colleen Rabin brought attention to her personal experience of having her mailbox destroyed by a speeding driver and argued for the implementation of speed humps or surveillance cameras instead of the restriping plan. Another resident, Brian Rodier, raised concerns that the new striping might exacerbate congestion by reducing passing lane options during periods of slow traffic.

In response to the comments, Michael Dubelko, another local resident, proposed the creation of a dedicated right-turn lane at the intersection of Tower Road and Benedict Canyon as part of the road work, believing it would improve both safety and traffic flow in the area.

Despite the mixed reactions from residents, the commission viewed the restriping as a cost-effective solution in comparison to other, more complex alternatives being considered for the roadway. Vice Chairperson Hadar Geller described the proposal as “inexpensive, low-hanging fruit.” Commissioner Sharon Ignarro acknowledged the dual challenges of speeding and slow traffic that residents have expressed, emphasizing the difficulty in striking a balance between these issues.

Commissioner Ignarro reiterated the traffic literature’s support for the idea that narrowing roadway widths through striping can lead to a decrease in driving speeds, which could contribute to safer conditions for the community. The commission has officially approved the restriping proposal and will also take Dubelko’s recommendation for a right-turn lane into consideration during future evaluations.

This restriping initiative exemplifies the city’s efforts to enhance road safety and respond to resident concerns while also aiming to manage traffic flow effectively. The final decision from the City Council, following the commission’s approval, will determine the future of Benedict Canyon Drive and its potential redesign.