News Summary
The Beverly Hills City Council has approved safety enhancements for Benedict Canyon Drive, addressing rising concerns about speeding and unsafe driving. Following a series of accidents, the plan includes lane striping to deter speeding without compromising travel lanes or parking. The initiative aims to enhance road safety while acknowledging diverging opinions from residents on the best approach. The council demonstrates a commitment to refining infrastructure to better align with community needs.
Beverly Hills
The Beverly Hills City Council has approved safety improvements for Benedict Canyon Drive in response to escalating resident concerns surrounding speeding and unsafe driving behaviors. The resolution was finalized during a Study Session held on July 15, marking a proactive shift toward enhancing road safety for local residents.
The decision for safety enhancements stems from a series of troubling incidents reported by residents earlier in the year, where multiple car crashes occurred on Benedict Canyon Drive, resulting in property damage to nearby homes. Speed surveys conducted by the city revealed alarming statistics, indicating that the 85th percentile speed on this road reached 42 mph, significantly exceeding the posted speed limit of 35 mph by 20%. Such findings highlight the urgent need for effective measures to curb speeding and augment road safety.
Under the city’s annual pavement marking project planned for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the recommended safety improvements will incorporate the implementation of a lane striping plan. This plan, developed in collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police Department, aims to deter speeding without reducing the number of travel lanes or parking spaces available on Benedict Canyon Drive.
The lane striping project proposes creating 11-foot travel lanes alongside 9-foot parking lanes. This reconfiguration is expected to make the roadway feel narrower to drivers, ultimately leading to reduced speeds. The estimated cost for implementing the lane striping is approximately $5,000, a financial consideration made within the wider context of public safety.
The proposed safety measures have obtained approval from both the city’s police and fire departments, as well as support from the Traffic and Parking Commission. Yet, while the initiative acknowledges the pressing need for safety improvements, the Beverly Hills Police Chief has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on traffic flow after the changes are made.
In discussing the nature of the road, it was highlighted that residents often perceive Benedict Canyon Drive as a two-lane road due to its wide design, which may contribute to speeding issues. Vice Mayor John Mirisch has also indicated support for a right-turn lane on Tower Road, following feedback from residents.
The City Council has articulated intentions to reassess the project shortly after the Public Works Department completes an evaluation of additional safety enhancements. Thus far, resident feedback has varied, with many expressing a desire for alternative solutions such as speed humps and increased surveillance to accompany or even replace simple lane striping.
However, certain residents have raised critiques concerning the lane striping, arguing that it may worsen existing traffic issues by eliminating the possibility of a passing lane. Traffic commissioners have pointed out the dual nature of the challenges on Benedict Canyon Drive, encompassing both speeding and congestion, and have deliberated on how effective the proposed striping may be in moderating reckless driving behavior.
Research indicates a correlation between wide travel lanes and increased speed along with a heightened risk of accidents. The city’s current project aims to address these community concerns while simultaneously pursuing a cost-effective solution intended to improve safety conditions on Benedict Canyon Drive.
As planning continues, the Beverly Hills City Council demonstrates a commitment to refining infrastructure that aligns with resident needs, ultimately striving toward enhanced safety and community well-being on local roadways.
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