Study: Orange Coutny's 37-Mile Stretch Of PCH Needs Major Improvement
LAGUNA BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Orange County's portion of Pacific Coast Highway is a mess and needs major improvements, according to a transportation study.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans examined a 37-mile stretch of the aging Pacific Coast Highway from Seal Beach to San Clemente.
The study found traffic congestion and safety conflicts among automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians continue to plague the part of the corridor that spans six coastal cities, OCTA Planning Director Kurt Brotcke said during his presentation to board members.
"Just being very stupid I venturing out on PCH. I could have taken side streets. And I will never go out there again," said Elaine Wright, who survived after being hit by a car on PCH.
Business owner Gonzolo Rebollar said he worries most about cyclists who speed past his taco shop along the crowded roadway. "Bicycle guy was coming from the south to the north. Some body opened the door, and the guy went straight to the door. And I believe he broke his neck."
The study provided cities with recommendations to improve traffic flow plus make traveling safer and more efficient.
"I think there's not a lot of solutions. I mean one solution is to get rid of the parking lane, and you have buses. And you make the buses go faster than the cars. People may take the bus then," Laguna Beach resident Sam Day said.
In certain parts of PCH in Laguna Beach, traffic congestion is compounded by pedestrians, a narrow roadway and limited parking.
Nearly everyone CBS2/KCAL9's Michele Gile talked to had a story to tell about a bicyclist being hit.
"I think the city has tried by having a trolley to alleviate some of it. Even with that, it hasn't really alleviated it," Laguna Beach resident Frida Kolozsvari said.
