Possible Changes To El Porto Parking Lot

For over 20 years, through a series of actions taken by the Parking and Public Improvements Commission and the City Council, neighborhood traffic calming measures have been installed at the intersection of 40th Street and Ocean Drive. Because Ocean Drive runs parallel to Highland Avenue, non-resident intrusion in the southbound direction has routinely occurred during the PM peak hours as motorists avoided the congestion on Highland Avenue due to the lane reduction
(from two to one) and the traffic signal at Rosecrans Avenue. In 2010, the City Council approved a program to implement several traffic calming measures in the North Manhattan Beach neighborhood.

At the February 7, 2012, meeting, the City Council reviewed the Traffic Engineer’s follow-up study and directed staff to implement additional modifications at the Ocean Drive and 40th Street intersection; placing temporary barricades to force left turns on Southbound Ocean to 40th Street between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; and replacing traffic spikes at the exit of the El Porto parking lot. Staff continued to monitor the situation over the summer and issued citations as necessary.

The turn restrictions require drivers exiting El Porto Beach parking lot to turn right or left onto Ocean Drive and for drivers heading southbound on Ocean Drive (trying to avoid Highland Avenue) to turn left onto 40th Street. However, the Police Department and City Staff continue to be notified by a few residents of violations, particularly with traffic exiting the El Porto Parking Lot and continuing straight up the hill on 40th street. It became apparent to the Police Department that many drivers were simply confused regarding the signage restrictions. In response to this several meetings were conducted over the past year between the Police Department, the City Traffic Engineer, and Community Development staff.

To more clearly convey the turn restrictions during the effective times, the Traffic Engineer is proposing installation of “Blank-Out” LED signs to restrict turns at Ocean Drive and 40th Street The solar powered signs will be illuminated during the restricted times, and not visible during other times, as controlled by a timer. This will eliminate the need to post signs and barricades on a daily basis as occurs now. Staff is obtaining price quotes for the equipment needed to construct the proposed improvements. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and after the new signs are installed will report back to the City Council results and any further recommendations.

David N. Carmany
City Manager
(310) 802-5053
dcarmany@citymb.info
City of Manhattan Beach, CA