Topics discussed at the Public Safety Commission’s meeting last week included the revelation of a proposed master plan for Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu that would increase overall highway safety.
By Oscar Antonino / Special to The Malibu Times
Details have begun to emerge regarding a proposal for a new master plan for the 27-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway that is within Malibu city limits. The master plan, which would be created under a Caltrans grant program the city is applying for, would encompass all aspects of the highway, including safety, aesthetics, traffic flow, bus stops, bicycle and pedestrian access.
Bob Brager, City of Malibu Public Works director, spoke at the Public Safety Commission’s meeting last week Wednesday to inform the commissioners of his intent to throw his political muscle behind this agenda.
“If we can get that grant, then we’ll really be ahead of the game,” Brager said.
The drive to create such a plan comes after several fatal accidents occurred on the highway last year, including one that killed 13-year-old Emily Shane in April. A local grassroots group, called A Safer PCH, was created in response to the death, and has been lobbying for safety improvements to the highway. The Public Safety Commission has been addressing the issue nearly every meeting each month, and a Caltrans representative has also been attending the monthly meetings to give updates on safety improvements to the highway.
The city has estimated that a master plan would cost nearly $1 million to create. However, the grant has a limit of $300,000 that can be awarded to any individual city. Where the additional funds would come from, if awarded, is still unclear.
Also, Brager said, in the past, Malibu has not had much luck receiving grants like this because they are up against roughly 90 other eligible counties and cities in the state. Still, he remains undeterred in his pursuit of this opportunity.
According to a report created by Brager in December, the master plan would be designed “to address pervasive issues such as traffic speed, highway geometrics, traffic flows, visibility, signalization, traffic calming, ADA issues, bicycle and pedestrian safety.”
The reasoning behind this master plan, as stated by the report, is that the formulation of a master plan “will be far more cost effective in the long run than the continued implementation of independent projects and will undoubtedly have a greater safety benefit to the community.”
The grant application to Caltrans is due by March 30.
Busch Drive, other PCH safety issues addressed
The intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Drive has been a topic of concern for some time now, and the commissioners have been studying the issue carefully. A traffic engineering consultant was hired to study the intersection, and, although he said he found “no significant physical deficiencies or concerns” with the intersection, the commissioners pressed forward in their attempts to ease traffic flow at that intersection.
One idea proposed that received much support was the elimination of the westbound left-hand turn lane into Zuma Beach. Because the closure would require opening the Cloverleaf loop underpass, which is a sensitive environmental area, the commission will need to take up the issue with all other agencies concerned.
Brager also gave a report of improvements made on or near the highway. The improvements included the widening of sidewalks, leveling of pavement for better wheelchair access and the cutting back of encroaching foliage for improved pedestrian access and visibility.
Public Works also gave a report on signage repair and replacement throughout the city. Many old and faded signs were replaced, and some new ones were installed. Signs that were deemed “unenforceable” by the Sheriff’s Department were also replaced with new enforceable signs. The difference is that the “no parking” signs now have the words “tow away” at the top. Also, faded pavement striping and markings were given fresh coats of paint.
A few of the other items discussed but left unresolved were the crosswalk near the Malibu Inn restaurant and pier, as well as bus stops, crosswalks and bicycle lanes throughout Malibu.
However, Brager consistently pointed out that the commissioners’ attention should now be focused on getting the Caltrans grant approved.
“All this other stuff is wonderful, but this is the one I’m really trying to get funding for,” he said. “This plan would be created in concert with all the other agencies, and if we can all agree on a master plan, well then now we will have a road map, something set in stone to improve the safety on PCH.”