Traffic Expected to Get Much Worse in Santa Clarita

A long-awaited study of transportation needs in the Santa Clarita Valley released this week paints a grim picture for commuters in the year 2010.

The study makes dozens of recommendations to relieve traffic congestion--from widening roads to synchronizing traffic lights--but concedes that the measures “are not enough” to prevent bottlenecks throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Although this congestion will be considerably lessened by the improvements, the arterials and highways will not be able to accommodate the future traffic demands in the year 2010, even with all of the proposed highway improvements in place,” the study says.

The study predicts that the population of Santa Clarita, now about 120,000, will increase 124% to about 270,000 between now and the year 2010. Los Angeles County is expected to grow 12% in that time.

Implementation Committee

The yearlong study, prepared by the Southern California Assn. of Governments, recommends that a blue-ribbon committee of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County and state officials be created to determine which of the study’s proposals should be implemented.

Although the study recommends widening roads, off-ramps and intersections, it stresses the need to make the most of existing roads and resources. Revising bus routes, enlarging park-and-ride lots, synchronizing traffic signals and restriping major roads are quick solutions, the report says.

A long-term alternative might be a passenger rail line from downtown Los Angeles to Magic Mountain via downtown Newhall and Valencia, the report says.

The study also says new employers should be required to stagger work hours to cut down on traffic. The report says tough ordinances restricting parking could encourage workers to commute by car pool and bus.