HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-25 - AGENDA REPORTS - MOBILITY CHAPTER NORTH LACO (2)4 -
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval
Item to be presepted DT.
Lynn M. Harris
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: January 25, 1994
SUBJECT: The Mobility Chapter of the North Los Angeles County Subregional Plan
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
BACKGROUND
The Mobility Chapter of the North Los Angeles County Subregional Plan has been jointly prepared
by the Cities of Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Palmdale for the purpose of providing local Input to
the Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) and the Regional Mobility Element (RMP) being prepared
by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). The North Los Angeles County
Subregion is one of thirteen subregions and covers the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys,
Including Incorporated and unincorporated areas. Santa Clarita Is Included In the North County
Subregional Plan only for the subject of mobility. The plan also discusses demographics and
growth forecasts, economics and job creation, mobility and air quality; however, Santa Clarita is
Included in the Ventura County Subregional Plan for these topics.
SCAG has initiated this subregional planning approach in order to get local input prior to finalizing
the Regional Plan and Mobility Element. The Cities of Palmdale and Lancaster are also bringing
the North County Subreglonal Plan to their Councils, and the plan will then be submitted to SCAG
for their consideration. This Is the first attempt at a subregional approach, and it was done on a
highly expedited time line. To facilitate the preparation, City staff participated on a technical
advisory committee, and Mayor Pederson represented the City on the policy committee, which
ultimately directed the production of this document. This plan may be useful In seeking future
grant dollars and In establishing partnerships among the North County jurisdictions.
The plan qualifies for an exemption underthe California Environmental Quality Act. Theplanisnot
a document with any legal or enforceable standing, but Is an expression of commonly shared
subreglonal goals. Similarly, the plan does not represent the City's final official position on any
subject, but it Is a beginning and an Initial setting of potential directions and priorities. The Mobility
section, Chapter Five, is Included In your packet. The complete document Is available in the
reading file. The resolution authorizes the submittal of the plan to SCAG.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Resolution No. 94-8 to authorize the submittal of the North Los Angeles County Subregion
Plan to SCAG.
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Adopted: 9 Ll
RESOLUTION NO. 94-8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGIONAL PLAN TO
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) TO PROVIDE
INFORMATION FOR THE REGIONAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Is required
under Federal and State law to prepare the Regional plans for growth, housing, transportation,
and air/water quality for the Southern California Region; and
WHEREAS, the SCAG Regional Council has authorized development of a Regional
Comprehensive Plan (RCP) to integrate these plans with other Important regional Issues; and
WHEREAS, the RCP Is being prepared by cities and counties through subregional
organizations In a cooperative planning process to ensure that cities and counties are fully
involved In the preliminary policy development phase of the RCP; and
WHEREAS, the North Los Angeles County Subregion has prepared a Subregional Plan to
be included In SCAG's RCP; and
WHEREAS, the Subregion Plan Is not a document with any legal or enforceable standing
but is an expression of commonly shared Subregion goals and policies; and
WHEREAS, the Subregion Plan does not represent the City's final official position on any
subject but Is a beginning and a setting of potential directions and priorities;
THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA does hereby
resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Mobility Chapter of the North Los Angeles County Subreglonal
Plan be submitted to SCAG for Inclusion In the Regional Comprehensive Plan.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this _ day of 1994.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES §
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
1, Donna M. Grindey, City Clerk, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the above and foregoing Resolution
was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof,
held on the day of 1994 by the following vote of
Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
City Clerk
counc!Ms"�.Ihs
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
City of Santa Clarita County Clerk
Department of Community Development County of Los Angeles
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite #300 111 North Hill Street
Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Los Angeles, CA 90012
DATE: January 25,1993
PROJECT NAME: North Los Angeles County Subregion Plan
PROJECT LOCATION: Northern Los Angeles County Including the cities of Santa Clarita, Palmdale,
Lancaster, and portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Nature, Purpose, Use): This project is a subregion plan for northern Los
Angeles County which will be incorporated into the Southern California Association of
Governments' (SCAG) Regional Comprehensive Plan. This plan provides for regional analysis of
various demographic issues including land use, housing, population, transportation and airquality.
The City of Santa Clarita Is Included in the North Los Angeles County Subreglon Plan for purposes
of mobility issues. Santa Clarita will be included in the Ventura County Regional Plan for other
regional planning issues.
PROJECT APPLICANT: Southern California Association of Governments
This Is to advise that the [ ] Director of Community Development [ ] Planning Commission [x] City
Council of the City of Santa Clarita did approve the above described project on January 25, 1993.
Review of the project by the Department of Community Development found that the project is
exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act.
EXEMPT STATUS: Statutory Exemption Sec. 15262 Feasibility and Planning Studies
This finding is made for the following reasons(s): This project involves only a feasibility or planning
study for possible future actions which have not been approved, adopted or funded at this time.
Person or agency carrying out the project: Southern California Association of Governments
This is to certify that the Notice of Exemption with comments/responses and record of project
approval is available for public review at:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300
Santa Clarita, California 91355
(805) 255-4330
Contact Personfritle: Donald M. Williams, Senior Planner
Signature:
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
CHAPTER 5 MOBILITY
INTRODUCTION Conducting a mobility analysis which focuses on the issues and
concerns of the North Los Angeles County Subregion is of critical
importance to the future vitality of this area. For the analysis of
mobility within this Subregion, the study area is extended to the
south and west to include the Santa Clarita Valley (including
incorporated and unincorporated areas). Thus, transportation
and mobility related issues, as well as demographics and travel
projections affecting the entire North Los Angeles County Subre-
gion, including the Antelope Valley communities and the City of
Santa Clarita, are identified and evaluated.
The efficient use.of existing and planned transportation systems
within this Subregion will directly influence the ability of the area
to provide opportunities for economic growth. In addition to the
need for efficient movement of people and goods within the
Subregion, the mobility analysis will foster the implementation of
strategies in pursuit of system performance standards and emis-
sion reductions required of transportation sources under the
Federal and California Clean Air Acts.
The following steps summarize the approach to the mobility
analysis:
Define mobility goals for North Los Angeles County
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Identify existing conditions/evaluate future projections
Document Subregion issues
Identify necessary policies, programs and actions to achieve
goals
Identify planned improvements and preferred strategies
CURRENT Current Conditions
SITUATION/
PROJECTIONS The North Los Angeles County area, which contains diverse land
uses and unique topographic characteristics, is a developing
Subregion of Greater Los Angeles. SCAG projections indicate
that North Los Angeles County population (including the Antelope
Valley communities and Santa Clarita) will increase from its 1990
level of to in 2010, an annual growth rate of
about _ percent. At the present time, the developed areas of
the Subregion are housing -rich and employment -poor. However,
major accomplishments have been achieved and efforts are
continuing to create a greater balance between jobs/housing and
reduce the number of work trips which occur between the Subre-
gion and employment centers in the Los Angeles metropolitan
area. The Subregion is geographically separated from the more
urbanized sections of the region. The area experienced rapid
growth during the 1980's and mobility between this Subregion
and the Los Angeles metropolitan area is constrained due to peak
period congestion an State Route 14,'Interstate 5, and Route 138.
The following section documents the current status of the North
Los Angeles County circulation system and creates a framework
for the mobility analysis.
Existing Transportation System
A number of transportation related studies have been conducted
in the North Los Angeles Subregion in recent years, including:
Circulation Elements from the following General Plan Docu-
ments, City of Palmdale (January 25, 1993), City of Lancaster
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Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUOREGION PLAN
(March ' 19, 1992), and City of Santa Clarita (June 25, 1991).
Additional information was provided by the Congested Corridor
Action Plan, by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority, revised February, 1993. These documents were
utilized along with inputfrcm local jurisdiction staff to describe the
existing transportation system and define current mobility char-
acteristics.
The existing transportation system in the North Los Angeles
County Subregion is characterized by a network of arterial
facilities serving local circulation needs as well as providing
access to regional freeways and state highways. Figure 5-1
identifiesthe study areaforthis projectand the majorcomponents
of the current circulation system. The circulation system in the
vicinity of Santa Clarita is the focus of Figure 5-1 continued. Also,
existing Year 1992/1993 average daily traffic (ADT) volumes are
depicted on each figure. The regional circulation system consists
of Interstate 5, the Antelope Valley Freeway (Route 14), Soledad
Canyon Road, San Fernando Road (Route 126), Route 138, and
Route 18. The cities of Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and
unincorporated portions of Los Angeles County are served by
these facilities. To further define current mobility conditions in
this Subregion, a reviewofthe 1992 LosAngeles County Conges-
tion Management Program (CMP) Final Report was conducted.
Technical information regarding AM and PM peak hour direc-
tional levels of service (LOS) was detailed in this document.
These LOS values define current congestion levels on the
freeway system and at critical signalized intersections along
major arterials. Within this Subregion there are three CMP
arterial intersection monitoring stations which reported unac-
ceptable levels of service (LOS E or F). All of these heavily
congested intersections are located in Santa Clarita. In terms of
freeway segments, Route 14(between SantaClaritaand Palmdale)
and Interstate 5 (south of Santa Clarita) experience LOS E or F
conditions during the AM or PM peak periods in the peak
direction.
The information on existing traffic volumes and congestion as-
sisted in the development of this section on current conditions.
5-3
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
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5-5
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
The following discussion describes the transportation system
hierarchy and current travel behavior characteristics.
Freeways
Regional access to this Subregion is provided by Route 14 and
Interstate 5. These corridors are the major routes connecting the
Antelope and Santa ClaritaValleys with the San FernandoValley.
Many commuters continue through the San Fernando Valley to
work sites in downtown Los Angeles, West LA, the LAX/EL
Segundo area, and the San Gabriel Valley. These corridors
receive heavy use from commuters and the rapid growth experi-
enced by this Subregion since 1985 has resulted in a significant
increase in daily traffic volumes within these corridors.
Route 14 currently carries ADTvofumes of approximately 130,000
vehicles per day (vpd) near its junction with Interstate 5, approxi-
mately 80,000 vpd south of Palmdale, and approximately 30,000
vpd within the City of Lancaster. Interstate 5 currently carries
ADT volumes in excess of 230,000 vpd south of Route 14 and
80,000 vpd north of Route 14 in the City of Santa Clarita. The
Antelope Valley Freeway (Route 14) and Interstate 5 currently
experience peak period congestion in the LOS E or F range.
Congestion occurs primarily in the Santa Clarita area near the
interchange of Interstate 5 and Route 14. South bound commut-
ers experience high levels of congestion in the AM peak period
while northbound commuters experience similar levels of con-
gestion in the PM peak period. Route 14 has the distinction of
having one of the -slowest rush-hoUr operating speeds of any
freeway in the San Fernando Valley/North County area. This
would indicate that travel speeds are less than 30 mph on these
freeway facilities in the peak direction in the peak hour. Freeway
trafficvolumes in the North County area are continuing to grow as
population growth occurs within the Subregion.
These congestion levels exist even though ridesharing has been
very effective in the North County area, with an average vehicle
occupancy ratio of 1.4 on Route 14. The existing park-and-ride
lots are overflowing their capacity. Express bus service has also
been a success, with service from the Antelope and Santa Clarita
5-6
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Valleys to downtown Los Angeles and the West San Fernando
Valley running near capacity and recovering between 60 and 95
percent of their operating costs. So far, limited freeway widening
has done little to ease congestion, since there are still a number
of freeway sections with only two lanes in each direction.
The width of the Route 14 freeway varies from four to eight lanes,
creating bottlenecks at various locations. There is a particular
problem caused by the current configuration of the interchange
ramps at the Sand Canyon Road interchange. Due to the
mountainous terrain, there is a lack of quick alternate routes.
However, the existing Sierra Highway serves as a parallel facility
to Route 14. This route could be reviewed to identify the potential
for this facility to relieve congestion on Route 14 through the
implementation of significant roadway improvements.
State Highways and Arterials
In addition to the freeways serving the North County, a series of
high capacity highways and arterials provide additional mobility
opportunities for the residents of this Subregion. Thesefacilities
include Soledad Canyon Road, San Fernando Road (Route 126),
Route 138, and Route 18, as well as the surface arterials parallel
to and crossing the freeway and highway facilities. As shown on
Figure 5-1, Route 138 between Interstate 5 and Route 14 has
dailyvolumes which average approximately 4,000 vpd, while east
of Route 138 daily volumes exceed 35,000 vpd through the City
of Palmdale. To the east of Palmdale, volumes on Route 138
range from 9,000 to 16,000vpd. Additionally, Figure 5-1 (contin-
ued) shows existing daily traffic volumes on Route 126 in the C ity
of Santa Clarita ranging from 18,000 to 32,000 vpd and volumes
on Soleclad Canyon Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and
Sand Canyon Road ranging from 38,000 to 58,000 vpd.
High volume intersections along these arterials experience var-
ied levels of congestion. Congestion is a problem along Route
126 (San Fernando Road) and nearby streets in central Santa
Clarita.
5-7
Mobility
. NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
As reported in the Congested Corridor Action Plan, the arterial
street system in the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys has not
been expanded to keep pace with development. In the Santa
ClaritaValley, Route 126 still has several two-lane sectionswhich
are inadequate for the traffic generated by recent growth. In the
Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys, there are a number of gaps
in the street grid, and an insufficient number of railroad grade
separations. These network deficiencies result in relatively low
levels of service at certain locations. However, local jurisdictions
are in the process of addressing these conditions through the
construction of newfacility improvements and the planned imple-
mentation of other mobility enhancing projects in the nearfuture.
Route 138, a two-lane highway linking the High Desert cities of
Los Angeles County with cities in San Bernardino County, has
experienced many serious accidents. A total of 25 fatalities
occurred along this stretch from 1986 to 1990. Existing conditions
on this facility emphasize the need for the completion of a multi -
jurisdictional study of potential alignments for a new high-capac-
ity easttwest facility to connectthe population centers in North Los
Angeles County and the High Desert area of San Bernardino
County. The successful implementation of such a'facility could
also positively influence economic development opportunities
with the Subregion by expanding its market area.
The final section of this Chapter describes recommendations for
improving local and Subregional mobility along with a series of
network improvements which are intended to address these
current levels of congestion. This section represents input from
the Subregion to SCAG in the form of recommendations for
improving mobility in the future. The focus of these recommenda-
tions is on reducing current and forecasted levels of congestion
along major arterials and freeways, especially access routes
linking the Subregion to the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Existing Transit Syste
Transit operations within the Subregion can play a major role in
providing increased mobility for all residents. Benefits to transit
users aswell as ncn-transit users are significant in this Subregion
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
which is heavily dependent on the Antelope Valley Freeway
(Route 14) and Interstate 5 as linkages to the Los Angeles
metropolitan area. The following discussion summarizes existing
transit services available to the residents of ecich community
within the Subregion.
Santa Clarita
Regional service is provided to the residents of Santa Clarita by
Santa Clarita Transit which operates a commuterservice into and
out of Los Angeles. This service is comprised of nine AM and nine
PM trips destined to and returning from Los Angeles. The AM
trips usually proceed along Sierra Highway, Soledad Canyon
Road, San Fernando Road, Interstate 5, and Route 14. The
service has various pick-up and drop-off points which, in the past,
have been relocated based on patronage activity. Inaddition,this
commuter service also services six park -n -ride facilities located
in the City.
The City of Santa Clarita also contracts for transit service pro-
vided by Los Angeles Department of Transportation to extend
existing lines which connectwith Granda Hills, Encino, Westwood,
and Century City to serve the commuting needs of the residents
ofSantaClarita. This service offers four AM and five PM runs with
pick-up locations at park-and-ride lots near the interchanges of
San Fernando Road/Sierra Highway and Placerita Canyon Road/
Sierra Highway.
Since the implementation of Mdtrolink service to Santa Clarita in
1992, the Subregion has enjoyed an expanded level of mobility
and improved opportunity for regional trip making via mass
transit. Currently, Metrolink operates seven southbound and
seven northbound trains between Santa Clarita and downtown
Los Angeles with stops in Glendale and Burbank. Service is
provided Monday through Friday and local transit access is
provided by an existing system of buses which support Metrolink
in the Santa Clarita Valley. This local bus service is coordinated
with all Metrolink departures and arrivals. Additionally, a total of
500 parking spaces are provided atthe Metrolink station in Santa
Clarita.
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Antelope Valley Area
Bus service within the Antelope Valley is provided through the
Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA), a joint powers agency
whose members include the City of Palmdale, City of Lancaster
and Los Angeles County. The AVTA recently completed a five-
year plan for service within the Antelope Valley, the Antelope
Valley Transit Needs Plan. A ten-year transit plan is currently
being developed.
The AVTA is responsible for overseeing bus services, including
selection of service providers, establishment of routes, sched-
ules, and hours of operation. AVTA provides two commuter bus
lines between Palmdale and central Los Angeles and the San
Fernando Valley. Thirteen buses are in service with two in
reserve. Service operates on Monday through Friday, with seven
trips to and from downtown Los Angeles on bus route 785.
Service is available in the morning from 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM to Los
Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, and in the afternoon for
return trips to Antelope Valley from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Under the administration of the AVTA, commuter bus service was
expanded substantially in 1992. The expanded service was in
response to increased demand for commuter service by Antelope
Valley residents. Total service hours were increased 50 percent
over 1991 service levels.
According to an AVTA Ridership Report (December 1992 through
August 1993), monthly ridership for commuter service increased
from 11,241 passengers in December, 1992 to 15,602 passen-
gers in August, 1993. Statistics for daily ridership showed a
similar increase in daily passengers from 397 in July, 1992 to 768
in October, 1992. The doubling of daily ridership in 15 months
represents a significant increase in demand for express bus
service by commuters in the Antelope Valley region. Also, this
data indicates that a continued investment in expanded commuter
service in the future is warranted.
Antelope Valley Bus, Inc., a private company, also provides
service between the City of Lancaster and Edwards Air Force
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Base (Main Base, NASA, G.E. or rocket range); two round trips
per day between Lancaster and Lockheed in Burbank; and one
round trip per day each to El Segundo and Hawthorne.
Orange Belt Stages, a charter bus company, was awarded a
contract from Amtrak to provide daily bus service from the
Antelope Valley to Amtrak trains in Bakersfield and Los Angeles.
Bus -to -train service began in April 1990, with routes from the
Antelope Valley to Bakersfield, with stops in Tehachapi and
Mojave.
Antelope Valley Airport Express offers a reservation -only sched-
uled van between the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles Interna-
tional Airport, as well as similar service to other airports.
Commuter Transportation Services is a private non-prcfit
ridesharing organization which provides ridesharing services
throughout the SCAG region, including the North Los Angeles
County area. Commuter Transportation Services is funded by
Caltrans, SCAG, San Bernardino Associated Governments,
Ventura County Association of Governments, and the Los Ange-
les Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Orange and Riverside
Counties. Contributions are also made by the more than 1,000
private companies which utilize Commuter Transportation Ser-
vices.
Commuter Transportation Services operates 86 vans which
serve vanpoolers in the Palmdale and Lancaster area who travel
south to communities in the San Fernando Valley and Los
Angeles. Each van seats between 12 and 15 passengers.
Commuter Transportation Services estimates that 21 percent of
the Antelope Valley commuters are using vanpool services. This
is higher than the region -wide average of 17 percent of commut-
ers who are utilizing vanpools. Commuter Transportation Ser-
vices continues to organize additional vanpools as the commut-
ing population increases.
Commuter Transportation Services also organizes carpools for
commuters and estimates that five percent of the Antelope Valley
commuters carpool. The jurisdictions within the Subregion en -
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
courage carpooling by providing park -and -ride lots in convenient
locations for commuting. Currently there are park-and-ride lots
located along Route 14 near major interchanges. Los Angeles
County recently opened a park-and-ride lot on Sierra Highway
near the Antelope Valley Freeway (300 spares). In addition,
developers or employers have provided park-and-ride lots at
Avenue P near the Antelope Valley Freeway in the Walmart store
parking lot (200 spaces) and the Target store parking lot (52
spaces), and on Avenue P in the Lockheed facility parking lot (133
spaces). Additional park-and-ride spaces will be provided within
the Subregion as needed and when funding sources are identi-
fied.
Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Demand Management programs in the Subregion
are implemented by one transportation management association,
four cities, and six major employers. All jurisdictions in the
Subregion have adopted a Phase I Transportation Demand
Management Ordinance.
One significant program being implemented is the Los Angeles
County Telecommunications Center in the Antelope Valley which
will be occupied by County and private sector employees, The
first year occupancy rate for this Center is approximately 90
percent. To enhance mobility for commuters in Antelope Valley,
a home-based community vanpool project which currently oper-
ates a total of seven vans per day is provided. The service is
sponsored by Kaufman and Board HO'me Builders and the City of
Palmdale for commuters using Route 14.
The Subregion has been proactive in promoting reductions in
trips through ridesharing programs. As noted above, the commu-
nities within the Subregion have provided and required develop-
ers to provide several park-and-ride sites throughout the area. In
the future, a comprehensive park-and-ride plan to coordinate
location of these facilities with public transit routes should be
formulated.
W_ Mobility 5-12
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Transportation Systems Management
The potential for new technology to solve existing and future
traffic congestion is an important component of the overall
approach to mobility planning in the Subregion. An example of
one Transportation Systems Management measure which has
been implemented in Lancaster is provided below.
The City of Lancaster Signal Synchronization and Optimization
Program (SSOP) has been designed and implemented to solve
real time problems with real time solutions. The existing system
implemented afully interconnected traffic signal system to control
the City's signal timings and to coordinate operation for maximiz-
ing efficiency, fuel savings and coordination as well as reducing
vehicle emissions, travel time and delay and improving intersec-
tion level of service (LOS). This system uses the state-of-the-art
Management Information System for Traffic (MIST) software
developed by Faradyne Systems, Incorporated of NewYork. This
trafficcontrol system is currently the largest system in the western
United States utilizing this signal program. The SSOP's primary
task is to implement City-wide signal timings that optimize effi-
ciency while minimizing problems associated with series or
groupings of traffic signals. Timings can be modified or imple-
mented (both down loaded or uploaded) from the City's signal
operations center located at Lancaster City Hall. While intercon-
nected systems have been around for sometime, the SSOP takes
a bold step forward in that timings can be implemented on a real
time basis with a reduction in cost to the City via reduced staff
time.
Rail Service
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company owns and oper-
atestwo rail lineswhich travel through the Cities of Palmdale and
Lancaster. The Valley Mainline, located adjacent and parallel to
Sierra Highway, generally bisects the Antelope Valley from north
to south and continues through the Santa Clarita Valley. The
Colton Cutoff line branches off from the main line south of Avenue
R and runs easterly toward the Cajon Pass into San Bernardino
and Colton.
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Trains run twenty-four hours a day on these two lines, with
approximately 20 to 25 trains daily. The peak volume of train
traffic occurs during the early morning hours between 1:00 AM
and 5:00 AM. Another fleet is run in the afternoon and evening
hours, while mid-day schedules vary daily. Sunday traffic is light,
but rail activity is heavy during the rest of the week.
Circulation planning issues relating to rail facilities include the
railroad lines'interface with the existing street system. Currently
there are grade separated railroad crossings at Sierra Highway
and at Avenue S, with additional at -grade crossings on section -
line roads. The City of Lancaster is currently constructing an
overpass at Avenue L. In the future Palmdale and Lancaster will
promote construction of new grade separations at arterial cross-
ings of the railroad, particularly at Palmdale Boulevard and
Avenue 1. A crossing will also be needed where 62nd Street East
intersects with the Colton Cutoff rail line.
Currently, the State of California Department of Transportation is
conducting a study to determine the feasibility of implementing a
Los Angeles to Sacramento High Speed Ground Transportation
System. Several alternative alignments are being considered,
including the Palmdale Alternative. This alternative, generally
would follow established transportation corridors adjacent to
Route 14 and the Southern Pacific Railway. Although this
alternative is considerably longer than other alignments, it has
several advantages including:
Provision of access to the Palmdale Regional Airport.
High -Speed connection between rapidly expanding com-
munities intheAntelope Valleyand employment centers in
Los Angeles.
Provides the narrowest crossing of the Tehachapi Moun-
tains.
As is the case with all other alternatives, this Palmdale alignment
would also serve the Santa Clarita Valley with a station adjacent
to Route 14. The feasibility study is scheduled for completion in
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NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
late 1994 with the primary product being the identification of a
preferred alternative. The implementation of this Los Angeles to
Bakersfield linkwould represent a critical link in a state-wide high-
speed rail system.
In the past, long-range regional plans called for a high-speed rail
line connecting the Palmdale Regional Airport to Los Angeles
International Airport. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Trans-
portation Authority (MTA) and the City of Los Angeles Division of
Airports, which owns Palmdale Regional Airport and the sur-
rounding 17,000 acres of land, has promoted the concept. How-
ever, more recently, MTA representatives have stated that this
line has been given a lower priority due to funding constraints.
Instead, MTA officials are now prioritizing the expansion of
Metrolink service from Santa Clarita to Lancaster.
Anotherfuture rail servicewithin the Subregioncould be Metrolink
commuter rail service connecting existing service in the Santa
Clarita area with the Antelope Valley to thenortheast and Ventura
to the west. In Fall 1992, Metrolink service began between the
City of Santa Clarita and U ' nion Station in Los Angeles, and the
feasibility of extending service to the Antelope Valley is currently
being studied.
An important issue to recognize in the discussion of future rail
service is timing of implementing either Metrolink or high-speed
rail. Metrolink service could begin within five to ten years with
high-speed rail service to begin in a ten to fifteen year time -frame.
For both of these rail services it may be necessary to invest a
significant amount of capital in the reconstruction of existing lines
or the construction of new lines. Currently, new commuter train
technologies are being investigated to determine if investment in
track reconstruction or new track construction can be avoided.
However, the importance of each service to the Antelope Valley
cannot be overemphasized due to the potential for high ridership
levels as demonstrated by rapid population growth and increas-
ing demand for express bus service bycommuters; in theAntelope
Valley.
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Air Service
As noted above, the City of Los Angeles Division of Airports owns
over 17,000 acres of land adjacent to Palmdale, surrounded on all
sides by incorporated City territory but presently not annexed to
the City. Long-range plans call for development of a regional
airport at the site, which would be linked to Los Angeles Interna-
tional Airport by a high-speed rail line and by a new freeway
linking Highway 14 to the site along an alignment following
existing Avenue P-8.
Although the Division of Airports has not constructed its own
landing facilities at this time, it has an agreement with Air Force
Plant 42 to utilize Air Force landing strips for up to 50 operations
per day. A representative of Skywest, the commercial airline
serving Palmdale, indicates that currently seven commercial
flights per day use the facilities: six daily flights to Los Angeles
International Airport and one daily flight to Palm Springs.
The Division of Airports is under the jurisdiction of the Airport
Commission. The Airport Commission has negotiated an agree-
mentwith theAir Force to increase usage up to 400 operations per
day; however, the agreement is subject to environmental review
and an Environmental Impact Report must be prepared prior to
execution of the agreement. South Coast Air Quality Manage-
ment District regulations call for an air quality certification, requir-
ing purchase of emissions credits and other measures, which
have delayed the planned expansion.
There are two other air fields in or near the Subregion: Fox Field
and Ague Dulce Field.
Circulation planning issues relating to airport facilities include
widening of the Avenue P-8 corridor to an ultimate freeway right-
of-way; the future extension of high-speed rail service to the
airport; and the barriereffect of the airport facility (along with Plant
42) on through traffic between Sierra Highway and 50th Street
East, and between Pearblossom Highway and Lancaster. These
issues have been dealtwith in the circulation policies and network
planning of the two cities' General Plans.
5-16
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Mobility Projections
SCAG has conducted a variety of model runs to assess the impact
of future changes in population and improvements to transporta-
tion facilities on regional mobility. Preliminary model runs were
designed to identify the impact of increasing the Year 2010
regional population forecast from 18.5 million to 21 million using
the 1989 Regional Mobility Plan as a base. As expected, the
model output performance indicators, presented in the body of
the Regional Mobility Plan, reflect increased deterioration in
service levels on the freeway network as a result of increased
travel demand above that previously forecast, The modeling
results clearly demonstrate the inadequacy of the 1989 Regional
Mobility Plan to provide for the travel needs of a regional popu-
lation forecast higher than the forecast of five years earlier. Thus,
new mobility strategies must be adopted to address anticipated
travel demand and achieve adequate levels of performance.
Future Mobility Strategies Modeling
In orderto assist regional transportation decision makers as they
deliberated on these policy issues, several alternative mobility
packages were designed. These packages were intended to
provide information regarding the relative effectiveness of vari-
ous strategies in reducing vehicle trips, vehicle miles traveled
and resulting vehicle emissions. A description of the six pack-
ages which have been tested is provided below:
A. No Project - Only the mobility improvements included in
the 1989 plan are included for accommodating the new regional
population forecast of 20.4 million persons by Year 2010.
B. Current Local Plans -This package examines the implica-
tion of the funded portion of County Transportation Commission
improvement plans. Two variationswere tested: i) funded projects
with city -provided growth forecasts and ii) funded projects with
SCAG's latest regional forecasts. Examples of the levels of
improvements assumed include 1,739 lane miles of high occu-
pancy vehicle lanes and 19 completed rail lines.
5-17
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
C. Enhanced Local Plans - This package assumes all locally -
committed capital projects plus the development of additional
capital projects which are currently not funded. The resulting
system envisions all 56 rail corridors and 100 additional miles of
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on freeways.
D. Urban Form Focus - This package includes locally -com-
mitted capital projects plus shifting population and employment
growth within the region to cluster around rail stations as well as
an increase in mixed-use development.
E. Demand Management Focus - This package includes
funded projects, the SCAG growth forecasts and various addi-
tional Transportation Demand Management -related efforts. The
system envisions enhanced ridesharing in 11 more regional
centers than under the Current Local Plans package, 10 minute
maximum bus headways (i.e. time between buses shall not
exceed 1 Ominutes) throughoutthe region, a 50% reduction in bus
fares, higheraverage costs to parkcars; everywhere in the region,
a 10% reduction in home -to -work trips reflecting such actions as
telecommuting, and shifting trips out of the peak hours via flexible
work hours.
F. Pricing Focus - This package assumes funded projects,
the SCAG growth forecast and a series of new pricing mecha-
nisms. These include a $1/gallon gas tax to fund mobility
improvement projects, a $0.05/mile emissions fee, elimination of
free parking throughout the region and free public transit.
Table 5-1 presents a summary of model output performance
indicators for each of the Mobility Strategies described above.
5-18
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Table 5-1
Summary of Performance Indicators For
Regional Mobility Element Modeling Packages
(Daily Statistics for the SCAG Regional Network)
Performance
Indicator
1990
2010
Current
Local Plans
2010
Enhanced
Local Plans
2010 Urban
Form Focus
2010
Dernand
Mgmt Focus
2010
Pricing
Focus
VMT (000)
280.545
416,343
409,433
381,457
393,115
VHT (000)
9,408
22,474
21,438
17,326
18,653
Delay (000)
2.850
12,754
12,026
8,4U
9.474
A19. SPe9d
(rnph)
29.8
18.5
19.1
22-0
21.1
'I
Source: Initial SCAG Modeling Results (early 1993),
* To be proOded by SCAG. VMT � Vehicle Miles of Travel
VHT - Vehicle Hours of Travel Delay - Vehicle Hours of Delay
These preliminary model runs of various trip reduction strategies
indicate that with the 20.4 million population forecast, there is
deterioration in regional mobility from 1990 to 2010, with an
increase in daily vehicle miles travelled ranging from 36 to 48
percent and an increase in daily hours of delay ranging from 84
to 138 percent. It is apparent that any one strategy will not
achieve the mobility goals stated in the 1989 Regional Mobility
Element. However, it is likely that a balanced, multiple strategy
approach to addressing the mobility issues will be most success-
ful in terms of achieving mobility goals.
The regional transportation networkwithin the North Los Angeles
County Subregion was included in this preliminary modelling of
forecasted travel demand for the entire SCAG region. To better
understand the projected level of traffic activity forthe Subregion,
a review of actual daily volume forecasts was conducted. Table
5-2 identifies existing Year 1992/1993 and future Year 2010
volume levels on critical sections of the regional transportation
network serving the Subregion. The Year 2010 forecasts are
based on the Current Local Plans Alternative as prepared by
SCAG for the North Los Angeles County Subregion.
5-19
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
As shown on Table 5-2, the Regional facilities (Route 14 and
Interstate 5) which provide connectivity between the Subregion
and the Los Angeles metropolitan area are projected to experi-
ence significant growth in traffic activity over the next 20 years.
This high amount of volume growth within the Subregion may be
due to a variety of factors including: highly underdeveloped
Subregion (i.e. increase in population will be significant), an
imbalance in the number of jobs and housing units between the
Subregion and the remainder of the Region, and a lack of new
high capacity facilities and other new transportation infrastruc-
tures.
Table 5-2
Comparison of Year 199211993 Existing Volumes
and Year 2010 Forecasted Volumes
North Los Angeles County Subregional Transportation Network
Fadity
segment
Daily Tratfic Volumes
Yew 19WI993
Year 20 10
Interstate 5
S/0 Route 14
235,000
350,000
Interstate 5
Lyons Avenue to Route 14
145.000
200,000:
Route 14
Interstate 5 to S" Canyon Road
130,000
243.DOO*
Route 14
Sand Canyon Road to PaImcials Blvd
116,000
191,000.
Route 14
Avenue I to Palmdale Blvd
60.000
147.000'
Route 138
SIM street East ID 120th street East
17.000
49,000**
Route 126
Bouquet Canyon Road to Route 14
32.ODO
11,0DO...
So"d Canyon Rd.
Bouquet Canyon Road to Sierra Highway
61,000
S�: -SCAG RME Omit Year 2010 ADT Volumes - Plan I (October 1993).
—City of Palmdale Gerwal Plan Model (Year 1993).
CKy of Sarta Qwfts General Plan Model IY*w 1992), Inciucing ftftft drcLAadon syst� kroavoments such as a now
east%vest Route 126 connecdon.
Thus, the Subregion must continue to support mobility enhancing
strategies in terms of facility and transit system improvements
with an emphasis on demand management. It is important to
recognize the potential magnituder of the impacts to current
mobility levels if growth occurs and Current travel behavior and
patterns remain consistent with today's condition. Evidence of
this concern for the North Los Angeles County Subregion is
displayed by the high levels of peak period congestion on the
Route 14 and Interstate 5 facilities under current Year 1993
-5-20
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
conditions. It is also apparent that additional modelling and
circulation system master planning is necessary within this Sub-
region to confirm these preliminary model results and evaluate
the potential positive benefits of other strategies, implemented on
a local level in improving future mobility conditions.
In the past, the focus for improving mobility in the Region has
primarily been vehicular facility investments. However, future
investments in transportation improvements will be closely re-
viewed to ensure that the maximum number of mobility alterna-
tives are provided. For example, major strides are being made in
improving the overall efficiency of the transportation system with
new technological advances in computer applications and auto-
mated system coordination. With efforts to reduce single occu-
pancyvehicle (SOV) use, the 1993 Regional Mobility Elementwill
place a greater emphasis on a multiple strategy, multi -modal
approach to mobility with respect to all transportation modes and
all residents of the region.
The draft of the Regional Mobility Strategy (December 15, 1992)
stated several sobering facts regarding the status of mobility in
the SCAG region. At the core of the problem are three factors:
Urban Form - Both residential locations and employment
locations are, exceptfor a few limited geographical areas,
low density and highly disaggregated, making service by
public transportation difficult and inhibiting the pooling of
trips by automobile.
Available Transportation Facilities - There is almost total
reliance on the street and highway infrastructure for the
movement of people and goods. The major investment in
the rail transit system, even at its completion, uwill repre
sent a minor system in terms of coverage and capacity
compared with the freeway system."
Access to Available Transportation Facilities - Many resi-
dents are denied accessto the street system because they
cannot afford a car, At the same time, the rail.system will
also serve a limited number of trips, as it is primarily
5-21
Mobility
- NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
commute trip oriented. Shorter, non -work trips, which
comprise over 70 percent of all trips, cannot be served as
well by the rail system. Significant improvements in transit
access would need to come through massive expansion of
the bus systems to serve activity centers and employment
centers. But even if this were done, the current conve-
nience and perceived low cost of the automobile (for those
who have access to a car) will continue to cause residents
to favor the choice of auto over transit,
These factors clearly apply to the North Los Angeles County
Subregion as well, and the Subregion will need to closely monitor
the direction of the Regional Mobility Element and its potential
influences. The draft of the SCAG Regional Mobility Element
indicates that market-based incentives are being more seriously
considered than at any time in the past. This is a recognition of
the difficulties of changing travel behavior when the system
(access to automobiles, good freeways, low cost of fuel, etc.) has
been designed to favor exactly those behaviors that the Regional
Mobility Element strives to discourage. Fortunately, the auto -
oriented urban form of the North Los Angeles County Subregion
has only recently been established, and modification of that form
presents a significant opportunity as the Subregion evolves and
the remaining two-thirds of its planned growth occurs. Thus, there
are significant areas that may be worthwhile to target for imple-
menting coordinated land development/transportation strategies.
Developina A Preferred Strategy
As previously indicated, results from the modeling of the Regional
Mobility Element strategies indicated that there will be significant
deterioration in mobility in the SCAG region, even with the
aggressive plans in place. The task of achieving future mobility
goals will be made even more difficult based on revised (higher)
projections of population and employment from the 1989 Re-
gional Mobility Element. While there is a certain amount of
uncertainty in any forecast, the forecasts of future deterioration
cannot be ignored or brushed off as being too far-fetched. This
fact also applies to the Subregion even though transit ridership
and ridesharing levels are higher than other Subregions within
WL 5-22
mouity
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
the SCAG Region. Adding further to the difficulties is the
Regional trend over the last decade of reduced transit ridership
and reduced levels of ridesharing. Hopefully, these trends can be
reversed in the Los Angeles Region and the accomplishments of
the North Los Angeles County Subregion in increasing average
vehicle ridership (AVR) levels can be expanded upon. But it is
clear that there are major strides to be made and many difficult
decisions ahead for local/regional officials and transportation
agencies.
Since the Route 14 and Interstate 5 corridors are forecasted to
experience high levels of congestion, the need for a "quantum
leap" in conceiving and implementing future transportation strat-
egies is apparent, Creative, implementable, cost-effective strat-
egies are needed that will help the Subregion and the Region to
advance beyond what is currently predicted to be our destiny.
Some of the ideas are dependent on technology that may be
yearsaway. Others are more controversial and perhaps socially
and economically unacceptable. But out of this thought process
may come one ortwo ideas that could, in fact, through redirection
of resources or creation of new resources, have a major positive
impact on future mobility. One such concept could be the
construction of a two or three lane high occupancy vehicle (HOV)
facility within the median of the Route 14 facility between Inter-
state 5 and Palmdale. These HOV lanes would have limited
access and would operate as a reversible facility; southbound in
the AM peak and northbound in the PM peak. This concept would
capitalize on the high AVR level which currently exists within the
Route 14 corridor and the high dfrectional peaking characteristics
of the North County commuters utilizing this corridor.
Potential concepts/strategies considered by the Subregion are
grouped underfour categories: Facility Improvements, Transpor-
tation System Management, Transit/Transportation Demand
Management, and Communications. The final section of this
Chapter describes some of these concepts and indicates how
they could become part of a mobility strategy. Also, the role of the
Subregion in implementing and promoting those strategies will be
defined.
5-23
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
The approach to developing a successful Regional Mobility
Element and defining the Subregion's mobility strategy needs to
place significant emphasis on integration of modes. To accom-
modate future mobility demand and achieve acceptable perfor-
mance levels, a balanced approach of various strategies will be
required. The long-range mobility strategy for the Region must be
developed in a manner which provides a high level of intercon-
nection between modes. This system must encourage travel
behavior modifications and attract new users.
Attention should be given to resolution of policy issues and the
range of options available to various levels of decision-making.
There should also be more discussion of who should be respon-
sible for implementing certain policies. The Regional Compre-
hensive Plan should focus on integration of mandates. Conflicts
among these mandates must also be addressed.
The Subregional approach to providing input into the Regional
Comprehensive Plan should continue as the process evolves
over time. Subregional linkages need to be emphasized to a
greater degree, and the Regional Comprehensive Plan is an
appropriate forum for creating a cohesive Subregional strategy.
As indicated in the Discussion Draft of the Regional Comprehen-
sive Plan, the Regional Mobility Element should detail the poten-
tial reductions in forecast vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled
resulting from the implementation of a preferred mobility alterna-
tive. This preferred alternative will likely combine the most
promising strategies which have been modeled on an individual
basis.
INSTITUTIONAL The analysis of mobility within the Subregion involves interaction
FRAMEWORK with a variety of jurisdictions, agencies, and interested groups.
The primary source of direction and input to the process was
provided by the threejurisdictions within the Subregion: Lancaster,
Palmdale, and Santa Clarita. Additional information regarding
the unincorporated area was obtained by reviewing documents
developed by Los Angeles County. Technical input was also
provided by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority and SCAG staff.
5-24
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
As described in the previous section, modelling of future travel
demand within the Subregion has been conducted by SCAG,
based on region -wide growth projections. In addition to these
Regional projections, local General Plan level models have
recently been developed by each of the jurisdictions within the
Subregion. These local models are based on detailed inputs and
it may be appropriate to develop a uniform transportation model
for the entire North Los Angeles County Subregion. The product
of this modelling effort will enable the Subregion to work with
SCAG in the development of appropriate volume projections and
ultimately a set of mobility strategies to address anticipated travel
needs and maintain adequate performance levels on the Subre-
gional network.
MOBILITY Mobility or transportation is linked to numerous aspects of eco -
LINKAGES nomir-srjob creation and air quality. The link between providing
appropriate transportation to industrial and commercial uses and
employees is obvious, in goods delivery, for example.
The linkage of mobility to economic growth is especially critical
within this Subregion due to the current level of travel demand
created by residents of North County as they commute to employ-
ment centers in Los Angeles. The most effective way to reduce
future increase in travel within corridors linking the Subregion to
Los Angeles will be to create new jobs within the Subregion and
retain trips locally.
Vehicle trips and air quality also go hand-in-hand. However,
within this Subregion, a significant amount of air quality impact
results from pollution transported from the Los Angeles Basin,
This fact does not reduce the need for the North Los Angeles
County Subregion to continue efforts to reduce commute vehicle
trips which ultimately benefit air quality within the entire Region.
ISSUES, GOALS, The following section presents the primary input to the Regional
POLICIES AND Comprehensive Plan from the North Los Angeles County Subre-
ACTIONS gion. The input has been organized into four separate sections:
5-25—
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Issues
Goals and Policies
Actions
Planned Transportation Improvements
An introductory discussion for each section is provided, fol-
lowed by a listing of individual Issues. For each of the twelve
Issues a set of Goals, Policies and Actions has been devel-
oped.
Issues
As an initial step in the mobility analysis of the Subregion, a set
of transportation -related issues were identified. Input and
review comments from the Technical Advisory Committee and
the Policy Advisory Committee have been incorporated.
Goals and Policies
Regional Mobility Goals
A series of mobility goals was developed by SCAG to guide the
implementation of the Regional Mobility Element in the future:
1 . Sustain Mobility
2, Foster Economic Development
3. Enhance the Environment
4. Reduce Energy Consumption
5. Promote Transportation Friendly Development Patterns
The Subregion supports these goals and recognizes that
changes in Regional and Subregional travel behaviorwill need
to occur to successfully achieve these goals. It is apparent that
the Region must continue a balanced approach that includes a
number of strategies: growth management, facility develop-
ment, transportation demand management, and system man-
agement.
5-26
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Subregional Mobility Goals and Policies
A separate set of mobility goals has been developed to focus on
the needs of the Subregion. These local goals and supporting
policies are intended to support Regional goals and guide the
development of mobility enhancing improvements within the
Subregion. The overall intent of these Subregion Goals/Policies
is to maintain adequate levels of mobility on the regional circula-
tion system for transit service, passenger vehicles, goods move-
ment, bicycles and pedestrians while implementing facility im-
provements and mobility strategies to enhance mobility between
the North Los Angeles County Subregion and other subregions
within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Actions
As a result of the initial mobility evaluation in the Subregion and
input from the Technical Advisory Committee and the Policy
Advisory Committee, a set of mobility -oriented actions has been
developed for the Subregion. These actions represent the
particular "points of emphasis" for the Subregion within the
overall context of the Regional Mobility Element.
The actions believed to be most pressing for the Subregion are
those involving improvements to existing transportation facilities,
construction of new facilities, new express bus service, and
airport expansion. In addition to planned improvements on
Routes 14,138, and 126 the Subregion will also focus on the
implementation of strategies Which will result in reductions in
peak hour vehicle trips. Improved and expanded express bus
service transportation will continue to assist commuters in ac-
cessing employment centers within the Los Angeles basin. Ad-
ditionally, airport expansion and supporting rail connections will
aid in promoting economic growth and create an opportunity for
jobs/housing balancewithin the Subregion, thus reducing vehicle
miles traveled,
The Subregion is in concurrence with the overall mobility philoso-
phy in the Regional Mobility Element that a multimodal, multidi-
mensional approach is needed to address the region's transpor-
5-27
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
tation problems and that emphasis should be placed on demand
management. However, this should not be done to the exclusion
of roadway facility improvements, particularly operational im-
provements. The exact nature and outcome of the Subregion
points of emphasis will take time to develop. The Action state-
ments detailed below relate directly to the Goals/Policies devel-
oped for each Issue and define a process for implementing these
policies by the creation of future actions for the Subregion and/or
Regional agencies,
Issue 1. How can the North Los Angeles County Subre-
gion reduce travel demand between the Subregion and the
Los Angeles metropolitan area?
Due to the fact that the Subregion is geographically separated
from the more urbanized areas of Los Angeles and at the present
time a significant amount of employment is provided by Los
Angeles area employers, commute period congestion occurs on
Route 14 and Interstate 5. Facility improvements to increase
capacity and Transportation Demand Management/Transporta-
tion System Management strategies may have a limited ability to
solve current and forecasted congestion levels. Thus, continued
emphasis on increasing employment. opportunities within the
North Los Angeles County Subregion to retain trips within the
Subregion will be of critical importance to the long-term viability
of the Subregion's transportation system and economic structure.
Goal 1. Develop additional employment opportunities
in the Subregion to retain trips within the Subregion and
promote strategies to reduce vehicle trips.
Policy 1.1 Pursue the recommendations in the "Economics/
Job Creation" Chapter to expand and diversify the employment
base.
Actions: Participate in economic development activities
to create new jobs within the Subregion.
5-28
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Work with SCAG to develop alternate transporta-
tion forecasts which reflect a range of realistic
economic assumptions and describe how improved
network performance and enhanced levels of mo-
bility may occur and thus, improve economic com-
petitiveness of the Subregion.
Utilize observed travel behavior data to calibrate
Subregional modelling results.
Policy 1.2 Support the relocation of new industries to the
Subregion to reduce average trip length for work trips,
Action: Conduct constant review of jobs/housing balance
calculations and monitor travel behavior and trends
relating to the exchange of trips between the North
Los Angeles County Subregion and the Los Ange-
les area.
Policy 1.3 Develop additional telecommuting opportunities
and facilities within the Subregion.
Actilow. Work with employers and agencies to fully utilize
existing telecommuting centers in the Subregion
and develop additional facilities.
Issue 2. What major transportation network improve-
ment projects should represent the primary emphasis of
facility implementation in the Subregion?
As the issue of congestion management has become more
focused inrecentyears, the need for improvements to the existing
regional and local transportation systems within the Subregion
has become more critical. At the present time, major improve-
ment projects are funded and construction is about to begin on
Route 14to provide High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes north
of the Interstate 5/Route 14 interchange continuing north and
east toward the Antelope Valley. In addition to this project, a
number of other crucial system improvements are either pro-
grammed or planned in the near future. As has been the case in
the past, it is recommended that local jurisdictions continue
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Subregional support for implementation of planned facility im-
provements on Route 14, Interstate 5, Route 138, and Route 126.
Based on the Year 2010 cumulative volumes forecast for Inter-
state 5and Route 14, it maybe necessary to develop other system
solutions beyond those currently planned in order to provide
acceptable network performance.
As discussed previously, there is a need to conduct additional
modelling on a Subregional basis to define ultimate facility needs
on the major components of the transportation system under
buildout conditions. This analysis should be based on the
Adopted General Plans of all jurisdictions in the North Los
Angeles County Subregion.
Goal 2. Facilitate the implementation of major surface
transportation improvement projects on the regional free-
way and local arterial system.
Policy 2.1 Continue to actively support the implementation of
facility improvements on Route 14 and Interstate 5. The need for
additional capacity increasing improvements beyond those cur-
rently anticipated should be investigated to ensure adequate
network performance is maintained on these facilities based on
buildout travel projections.
Actions: Implement significant improvements on existing
freeway faci liti as and primary arterial corridors within
the Subregion. Improvements which increase the
efficiency of the current system and increase aver-
age vehicle ridership (AVR) rates (e.g. implementa-
tion of HOV lanes) are particularly important.
Improve access to park-and-ride lots to support
reductions in peak hour vehicle trips.
Develop a Subregional Travel Forecast Model to
predict accurate levels of travel demand under
buildout conditions. Incorporate all Adopted Gen-
eral Plans and determine ultimate transportation
system needs.
5-30
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Policy 2.2 Continue local jurisdiction 'support and coordina-
tion efforts on the High Desert Corridor Study to implement an
east -west arterial between Interstate 5 and Interstate 15.
Action: Participate in the completion of the High Desert
Corridor Study and coordinate potential improve-
ments with other mobility strategies within the An-
telope Valley.
Policy 2.3 Support the funding and construction of interchange
improvements at critical locations along Route 14.
Action: Assign staff from each jurisdiction to track and
actively promote implementation of critical projects
in coordination with regional agencies.
Policy 2.4 Continue to fund and implement mobility improve-
ment projects.
Actions: Construct the following planned improvements:
-Route 138 Corridor improvements
-Route 14/Route 138 interchange improve-
ments
-Grade separated crossings with rail lines
-HOV lanes on Route 14 and Interstate 5
-Expanded express bus service
-Master plan for implementing additional
park-and-ride lots within the Subregion
-Analysis of other long-rangelu Iti mate im-
provements on Route 14 and Interstate 5
Support appropriate vehicle occupancy restrictions
to the HOV system to maximize system efficiency.
Policy 2.5 Supportthe masterplanning of a set of coordinated
improvements to enhance mobility within the Sierra Highway
Corridor and the Soledad Canyon Road Corridor.
5-31
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Action: Develop a coordinated work program to construct
major transportation improvements along Sierra
Highway and Soledad Canyon Road.
Issue 3. What improvements should be included in the
Subregional Mobility Element to ensure that regional trips
are retained on Regional facilities, thus preventing trip diver-
sions through local communities during peak periods?
A critical issue related to the local circulation network and
regional freeway facilities within the Santa Clarita Planning Area
is the amount of east -west travel demand on existing streets. To
address this issue a transportation analysis to identify potential
solutions is currently underway. One possible solution is the
development of an east -west by-pass facility in the northern
portion of the Santa Clarita Planning Area connecting Interstate
5 and Route 14. The implementation of this high capacity east -
west facility would provide an alternate route for Subregional
traffic through the Santa Clarita area and relieve traffic conges-
tion on Route 14 and the local circulation network in the existing
community.
A similar condition exists in the Antelope'Valley and a high-
capacity facility is under analysis (High Desert Corridor Study) to
serve existing and forecasted travel demand in an east -west
direction between Antelope Valley and the High Desert cities in
San Bernardino County.
i
Goal 3. Implement anew east -west by-pass facility along
Route 126 or an alternate route In the Santa Clarita Planning
Area.
Policy 3.1 Continue the analysis of east -west alternatives to
connect Interstate 5 to Route 14 in Santa Clarita.
Policy 3.2 Develop local consensusfor newfacilities connect-
ing Interstate 5 and Route 14 in Santa Clarita.
5-32
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Actions: Upon selection of a preferred alternative, imple-
ment a financing approach to assist in constructing
new connections.
Establish a monitoring system to document trans-
portation network performance in the Santa Clarita
Valley and define mobility benefits of the improve-
ments.
Issue 4. What other long-range transportation network
system improvement projects should be considered to in-
crease capacity and enhance mobility beyond the facility
improvements which are currently planned?
As development within the Subregion and Southern California
Area continues, it may be necessary to identify long-range
solutions to future transportation needs in order to ensure ad-
equate levels of mobility are maintained. One such solution is the
construction of a high capacity/high speed east -west network
connection in the northern portion of the Subregion to connect
Interstate 5 and Interstate 1 - 5. A study to determine the appropri-
ate size and location of this facility is currently underway. As an
extension of this facility, it has been suggested that a connection
to the east and south could be made to link Interstate 15 to
Interstate 10 in the Coachella Valley area and even on to
Interstate 8 in Imperial County. The planned construction of this
facility would provide relief to the local circulation network in
Antelope Valley and ultimately an urban by-pass would be
provided to allow alternate routing of Regional through trips
between Interstate 5 and Interstate 10 on the periphery of the
urbanized area of Los Angeles, Such a by-pass should also
consider rail, both conventional and high-speed.
Another potential improvement strategy which could be investi-
gated within the Subregion involves the construction of an exclu-
sive HOV facility. to be located in the median of the Route 14
Freeway. This two or three lane facility would operate under
reversible control, with AM flow in the southbound direction and
PM flow in the northbound direction. This concept would capital-
ize on the high AVR level (1.4) within the corridor and the heavy
5-33
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUSREGION PLAN
directional peaking created by commuters in the Subregion.
Finally, if the Subregion is successful in creating a balance
between jobs and housing, a portion of the cross-section of this
HOV facility could be converted to high-speed rail or other
exclusive transit uses in the long-term.
Goal 4. Implement new east -west by-pass In the north.
em portion of the Subregion and investigate other system
improvements.
Policy 4.1 Continue the analysis of east -west alternatives in
the northern portion of the Subregion to connect Interstate 5 to
Interstate 15.
Actions: Develop Subregional consensus for new high-
capacity facility (withinthe Route 138 Corridororan
alternate corridor) connecting Interstate 5 and In
terstate 15 with possible eastern extension to Inter
state 10 in the Coachella Valley,
Upon selection of a preferred alternative, imple-
ment a financing approach to assist in constructing
the facility in a phased program.
Establish a monitoring system to document trans-
portation network performance in the Antelope Valley
area and define benefits of the new linkage.
Policy 4.2 identify all potential Solutions to facilitate long-
range travel demand on regional facilities within the Subregion.
Action: In coordination with regional agencies conduct an
analysisof allfeasible solutionsto serveforecasted
travel demand and increase opportunities for con-
tinued economic growth through improved mobility.
Issue 5. How does the implementation of circulation
network Improvements support Subregional mobility objec-
tives?
5-34
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
The local street system within each community of the North Los
Angeles County Subregion plays a significant role in providing
basic mobility opportunities to area residents, In the future, as
development of residential and commercial land uses continues,
it will be important that local jurisdictions provide a coordinated
systemof local circulation elements consistingof arterial facilities
within and between each Subregion jurisdiction to provide neces-
sary increases in network capacity concurrent with planned
development.
Goal 5. Implement critical Circulation Element improve-
ments from local General Plans.
Policy 5.1 Analyze existing performance levels on local circu-
lation facilities.
Action: Establish a monitoring system to document net-
work performance and identify the need for imple-
mentation of network improvements and/or con-
struction of new facilities.
Policy 5.2 Ensure that improvements to existing and construc-
tion of newcirculation facilities within and between local jurisdic-
tions occur concurrent with planned development.
Actions: Coordinate the implementation of arterial improve
ments across jurisdictional boundaries.
Continue to participate in multi -jurisdictional efforts
to upgrade and expand the regional road network
within the Subregion.
Issue 6. How does expansion of the Palmdale Regional
Airport and the provision of High -Speed Rail service to the
Subregion relate to improved mobility in the future?
For many years the City of Palmdale has been actively planning
for the expansion of the existing airport facility. Significant
improvements to the local circulation element have been incorpo-
rated into the General Plan, and the Land Use Element. The
5-35—
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
General Plan also includes reference to airport expansion oppor-
tunities by developing a land use plan which is compatible within'
future airport operations. To optimize airport utilization, several
rail concepts have been evaluated in the past or are currently
understudy. Provision of new passenger rail service connecting
to Antelope Valley will ensure that a most beneficial environment
for the future viability of the Palmdale Regional Airport is pro-
vided. Future rail service will also enhance the mobility of all
existing and future residents of the Subregion and local jurisdic-
tion representatives should continue to promote and participate
in state-wide/regional planning and implementation of significant
mobility enhancing improvements including:
Los Angeles to Bakersfield High -Speed Rail link to serve
the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita communities via the
Palmdale Alignment Alternative and/or
Regional High -Speed Rail connecting Antelope Valley,
Palmdale and Santa Clarita to the Los Angeles Airport
area and
Las Vegas High -Speed Rail to connect the Los Angeles
metropolitan area to Las Vegas with connections to the
Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita.
Provision of these enhancements will improve mobility for resi-
dents of this Subregion as well as adjacent Subregions and
adjacent counties.
Goal 6. Locate High -Speed Rail service in the Antelope
and Santa Clarita Valleys and expand the Palmdale Regional
Airport.
Policy 6.1 Secure implementation of Los Angeles to Bakers-
field High -Speed Rail and ensure access for Subregion.
Action: Local jurisdictions should assign representatives to
influence the decision making process and promote
the benefits of providing High -Speed Rail service to
the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys.
5-36
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Policy 6.2 Secure Implementation of High -Speed Rail service
to connect theAntelope and Santa ClaritaValleys to employment
centers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Actions: Develop local and Subregional support/consensus
to plan and implement High -Speed Rail linkages
between the Subregion and the Los Angeles met-
ropolitan area.
Work with rail providers to ensure stations are
locatedto serve the Palmdale/Lancaster area (near
Avenue M/Route 14 interchange) and in the Santa
Clarita area.
Policy 6.3 Promote expanded air transportation services at
the Palmdale Airport and provide necessary circulation system
improvements to ensure adequate access.
Actions: Expand air transportation service'within the Ante-
lopeValley area and provide necessary circulation
system improvements to ensure adequate access
locally and regionally including Routes 14 and 138.
Connect Palmdale Regional Airport to Los Angeles
International Airport with High -Speed Rail.
Issue 7. Is the extension of commuter rail service desir-
able or are there other more cost-effective solutions?
As part of the feasibility study to extend Metrolink service to the
Antelope Valley currently underway by LACMTA, consideration
of the ability of expanded Express Bus service to better satisfy
transit demand and mobility goals should occur. Additional
Metrolink service should be provided to the Antelope Valley with
additional rail stations to be located in the Canyon Country and
Newhall area. The possibility of extending rail service to Ventura
County from the Santa Clarita area should be evaluated to
identify benefits to the North Los Angeles County Subregion.
This should include consideration of a restored Ventura to Santa
Clarita line combined with the existing Soledad line with improved
5-37
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
speeds. Also, a review of long-range options including high-
speed rail should also be conducted. A master plan review of
potential conflicts between freeway widening, commuter rail, and
high-speed rail implementation within the Route 14 corridor
should be prepared in order to preserve right-of-way. Finally,the
decision to fund and implement Metrolink should not preclude the
provision of High -Speed Rail service to the Antelope Valley and
Santa Clarita.
Arelated issueto the discussion of utilization of existing orfuture
rail lines and highway facilities, is the concept of implementing a
regional bike system along rail facilities. This Subregional system
of bike facilities providing connections between communities in
the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita could also be intercon-
nected to link to other adjacent Subregions.
Goal 7. Support extension of commuter rail service to
the Antelope Valley and, In the Interim, place an emphasis on
expanded express bus service to meet demand as the Sub-
region continues to grow.
Policy 7.1 Support increased express bus service to serve
existing and future residents of the Subregion to reduce traffic
congestion during peak commute periods and actively promote
the service locally to encourage high utilization.
Action: Priortothe implementation of Metrolink, continueto
expand express bus service between the Subre-
gion and employment tenters in Los Angeles.
Policy 7.2 Upon completion of the feasibility study and a
review of cost/benefit, support the implementation of Metrolink
service to the Antelope Valley with additional stops in the Canyon
Country and the Newhall area.
Actions: Implement commuter rail service to serve the Ante-
lope Valley area if feasibility and cost-effectiveness
are determined,
5-38
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Ensure that funding decisions regarding Metrolink
service to the Antelope Valley do not impact the
long-range need to provide High -Speed Rail.
Develop and implement a variety of local measures
to support commuter rail service.
Policy 7.3 Provide rail connection for residents of the North
Los Angeles County Subregion to theVentura area via extension
of Metrolink service to the west.
Action: Implement commuter rail service to the Ventura
areafromthe Santa Clarita to provide increased rail
access for all residents of the North Los Angeles
County Subregion. -
Policy 7.4 Through the development of a Master Plan for the
Route 14 and Interstate 5 corridors, provision of adequate rights-
of-way should be maintained to allow the construction of all
necessary widenings and implementation of commuter rail ser-
vice, and High -Speed Rail lines.
Actions: Prepare an analysis of potential conflicts between
freeway widening, commuter rail, and high-speed
rail implementation within the Route 14 corridor.
Prepare a separate Master Plan Analysis to docu-
ment potential opportunities for providing bicycle
facilitieswith an 6isting rail and/or highway rights-
of-way.
Issue 8. How can the local jurisdictions within the Sub
region ensure adequate transit services for existing and
future residents for local trip making and connecting to re-
gional express transit opportunities?
Based on the extent of existing planned development in the
Subregion which covers a wide area, it is critical that fixed route
transit services be maintained and expanded. This will provide
all residents of the Subregion in Antelope Valley and Santa
5-39
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Clarita communities a viable alternative to the automobile, thus
reducing vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled and improving
air quality within the region.
Goal 8. Continue to provide adequate levels of transit
service for existing and future residents of the Subregion.
Policy 8.1 Increase the public transit opportunities available
to residents of the Subregion in order to reduce traffic impacts on
streets and highways and provide travel alternatives.
Action: Continue to monitor transit service and perfor-
mance.
Policy 8.2 Increase local and express bus transportation fa-
cilities and routes in conjunction with access to employment
centers and rail connections. Also ensure continued funding for
existing and expanded transit service including maintenance and
other support facilities.
Action: Provide new express and local transit service to
I meet the needs of new development.
Issue 9. How can land use decisions be made to support
Subreglonal and Regional goals?
Conduct constant reviews of land use decisions and development
by Los Angeles County and local jurisdictions to ensure mobility
standards are maintained to the extent possible, provide mixed
use developments to reduce automobile dependency for trip
making.
The Subregion has an opportunityto place a greater emphasis on
the role that land use and urban form can play in transportation.
The importance of local governments'role in implementing urban
form policies which support regional mobility goals and encour-
age travel behavior modifications should be a focus. Of all -long
range planning activities, land use and urban form activities must
recognize the opportunities of this Subregion which is in the
process of dealing with significant levels of forecasted growth. In
5-40
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
this regard, new growth should be boncentrated in incorporated
areas where access to alternate mode of travel are most avail-
able.
Goal 9. Ensure that land use decisions support Re.
gional and Subreglonal Mobility goals.
Policy 9.1 Encourage development of projects which aid in
reducing the number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles travelled
by individuals within the Subregion to meet regional transporta-
tion and air quality goals and enhance mobility opportunities for
all residents.
Policy 9.2 Encourage the coordination of transportation, land
use, and economic development planning within the communities
of the Subregion.
Issue 10. Howcan theSubregion develop newfacilitiesto
increase the capacity for goods movement by rail or truck
and expand opportunities for economic growth?
Coordination between local jurisdictions and regional agencies
will continue to facilitate the planning for and eventual implemen-
tation of a new high-capacity east -west highway facility to con-
nect Interstate 5 and Interstate 15 in the Antelope Valley and
between Interstate 5 and Route 14 in the northern Santa Clarita
Valley: Improvements to the Route 14 and Interstate 5 corridors
will also increase capacity for truck movements in the north -south
direction. Also, planned improvements to the existing rail line
between Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley to allow efficient
Metrolink service to occurwill increase rail capacity by reducing
travel time for all rail line users including goods movement.
Goal 10. Increase network capacity to allow for expanded
levels of goods movement via truck and rail.
Policy 10.1 Complete all necessary studies to implement an
east -west by-pass connecting Interstate 5 to Interstate 15 in the
AntelopeValley and lnterstat95 to Route 14 in the northern Santa
Clarita Valley.
--5-41
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Action: Construct a new high-capacity by-pass facility be-
tween Interstate S/Interstate 15 and Interstate 5/
Route 14.
Policy 10.2 Support projects to increase capacity on Interstate
5 and Route 14 to provide opportunity for additional truck move-
ments.
Action: Implement near-term and develop new long-term
improvements on Interstate 5 and Route 14 to
increase truck capacity and support economic
growth.
Policy 10.3 Support all investments which result in improve-
ments to existing rail lines and reduced travel times for freight
movements (i.e. Metrolink track upgrades).
Action: Secure approval for Metrolink servicewith improved
track alignments to serve the Antelope Valley and
thus increase rail frequency for all users including
freight operations.
Issue 11. How can existing and future transportation fa-
cilities be managed to optimize operating efficiency?
Local jurisdiction technical representatives, in cooperation and
coordination with regional agencies, must ensure that the imple-
mentation of all planned facility improvements occur and efficient
operations are maintained. This will be accomplished through the
implementation of state -of -the art Transportation Systems Man-
agement (TSM) techniques including the application of all avail-
able technologies.
Goal 11. Optimize the operating efficiency of existing
and future transportation systems.
Policyll.1 Emphasize the need for technology applications on
the Antelope Valley Freeway (Route 14 and Interstate 5) to
promote efficient operation and high average vehicle ridership.
5-42
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Action: Local jurisdiction representatives should be as- -
signed to assist regional agencies in TSM program-
ming and decision making.
Policyll.2 Pursue,new technologies to reduce travel demand,
increase capacity, improve operations, and provide information
to drive and transit passenger.
Actions: Review all planned TSM recommendations to en-
sure local and Subregional objectives are achieved,
Monitor system operations and develop strategies
to improve efficiencies (e. g. implementation of HOV
lanes restrictions to increase average vehicle rider-
ship (AVR) rates and reduce travel time,
Pollcyll.3 Ensure adequate supply of park-and-ride facilities,
Action: Prepare a park-and-ride lot strategy to develop
additional park-and-ride facilities in the framework
of a master plan for the Subregion.
Issue 12. What level of government should make deci-
sions regarding the Subregion's transportation system and
the allocation of available funds?
To ensure that priorities of the Subregion are included in the
process allocabng funds and scbeduling transportation improve-
ments, the participation of local jurisdictions in the Subregional
process is crucial. The periodic updating of this initial Subre-
gional Plan forthe North Los Angeles County Subregion will allow
local input and Subregional consensus to influence the timing
and sequence of transportation system improvements in the
future. The section entitled *Institutional Frameworkm discussed
the need for continued involvement in the regional planning
proces . s from a Subregional perspective.
Goal 12. Ensure Subregional input is considered in planning
and funding allocations for transportation improvements.
5-43
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
Policy 12.1 Create mechanisms to gain consensus for planning
and funding new Subregional/interregional linkages; give re-
gional and Subregional priorities to key linkages. The need for
these key linkages should be agreed to by use of modeling
statistics which are realistic and accepted by the Subregion
jurisdictions.
Actions: Identify projects of Regional importance (e.g. air-
ports, freeways, and expressways) and ensure that
their expansion/construction and associated im-
pacts are prioritized and sufficiently funded at the
Regional level.
Design, locate, and select transportation projects in
ways which increase economic development op-
portunities.
Allocate Subregional transportation funding to the
priority projects selected by the Subregion based
on criteria established by the Subregion,
Secure all available funds and participate alloca-
tion decisions regarding the implementation of
multiple strategies to achieve mobility goals.
PLANNED In the past, the focus for improving mobility in the Region has
TRANSPORTATION . primarily been vehicular facility investments. However, future
IMPROVEMENTS investments in transportation improvements will be closely re-
viewed to ensure that the maximum number of mobility alterna-
lives are provided. For example, major strides are being made in
improving the overall efficiency of the transportation system with
new technological advances in computer applications and auto-
mated system coordination, With efforts to reduce single occu-
pancy vehicle (SOV) use, the 1993 Regional Mobility Element will
place a greater emphasis on a multiple strategy, multi -modal
approach to mobility with respect to all transportation modes and
all residents of the Subregion.
5-44
Mobility
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUBREGION PLAN
As a primary product of the Subregion mobility analysis, a
detailed listing of all known improvement strategies within the
Subregion was prepared. Table 5-3 contains a full description of
these improvements. These are intended as an initial compre-
hensive listing of strategies for purposes of Subregion coordina-
tion. Not all of these are to be included in SCAG's Regional
conformity analysis. Accompanying the listing is a map (Figure
5-2) to aid in visually locating each planned project in the
Subregion. Both the table and map contain a reference number
system for project identificatioh purposes.
Table 5-3 contains a column entitled ocategory. The categories
are described below.
The Facility Improvement (Fl)—This category indicates
that capacity -increasing improvement projects are pro-
posed for the facility. These projects typically result in
improved traffic flow through the provision of additional
lanes. The4e lanes are described as either standard use
or high occupancy vehicle. This category could also refer
to bike facility improvement projects including bike paths,
lanes, and routes.
Transportation System Management (TSM)—The type of
improvement under this category includes enhancements
to the traffic signal system by providing signal coordination
and synchronization.
Transit Improvement Jl)—Thill category relates to pro-
posed improvements to'either existing transit service to
expand service on existing routes, or the provision of new
transit routes into areas previously unserved by transit.
Both bus transit and rail transit improvements are included
in this category.
545
Mobility
01
Table 5-3. Summary Of Proposed North LA County Mobility Enhancing Improvement St—te 1
G)
pr-
rn
rn
map
Locator
Description of ImprovemenvSualegy
Category*
Status
In Service
140.
Date
Route 14 Widening: LACMTA is workint; %,ith Coltrane and cities to kwAido the
FVTSM
Phases I and 2 (San Fornando
area north Of Shadow Pines Boulevard as pan of the Route 14 widen" profaa
Road to Escondido Canyon) at
the Route 14 NOV widening
1997
Project are funded.
Construction will begin in 1996.
Two Phases (Esconchdo Canyon
1995
10 Palmdale Blvd.) have been
k1nded lot EngineeringrDosign
vath implementation handing
Pending. LACMTA is committed
90 It" project and wilt assist in
—
securing all necessary funds.
Routs 14 Park wW We Lot: Los Angeles County will construct a park and
2
(ids W in Santa Clarita a*cwd to Route 14. The lot will Serve as a major
TDM
Project is furWod. Constrwtion
1995
transfer tacilitY Providing conna", senrioo for the Antelope Valley Transit.
to begin after land is arquirad in
I Same Clortut Transit and the LADOT.
Im.
3
Route 14 Park and Rid* Lot: LA Comfy is davolopkV a Park and RA@ Lot at
TDU
Funded.
1995
Route 14 and San Fernando Road now the city of Same Cianta.
4
Routs IVP*wblO"Om Park Mind "ids LOL Coltrane is developing a now lot at
TD1,11
Under Construction.
1993
Route 14 and PoarblorAorn fttway,
Route 14/Palmdole Airport Iniarchangs: Caltrans is dwakping a now
In dos* phase. Right of way
5
initercluinge at Routs 14 and Avenue P-8 60 knprove access to the Pamdalo
acquisition for the interchange
To be
airport
WIN begin in 190. Funding for
determined
the construction of the project
has not bow Identified
North County Ustrollink Erpme Bum Swvloe: LACIATA Val prepare a
T1
SO4 to boon in 1993
To be
masW(plan for long-term expansion of Matrolink and expross, buses to serve the
datemunad
Route 14 ooffidou
7
Antelope Val" Vanpo*l Program: 6xv TDM pqom 019cling Itus ouddlor:
1) Route 14 vanpoobbuspool Phase I
T1
phase I cotopiato
Ph&" If 1994
Fall 1992
In 19964
2) Route 14 vaq=�Uwpool Phase H
TI
vanpool Prowarn in operation
NOV. 1992
3) Palmdale Community Vanpool Program
TI
from Antelope valley.
4) Antelope Valley Tol000mmutinf; Cantor
-n
Telecommute Cantor is opon-
Jan- 19M
G)
pr-
rn
rn
Locator
Desuotion ol IrripFavemantlStrategy
Category'.
Status
In SON"
Dais
No..
a
Now North Covinly Express Bus Routsis: LACMTA and local puritcgotiong
Express bus services from
developing tow owe" bus toules to link Me North County with Son Fernando
TI
Palmdale and I tar &WV
Valley and Downtown UL
with express bus service from
Fag 1991
Santa Clarita So to San
Fernando Valley and Downtown
we in operation and wal
utilized.
9
PalmdaWAvenue 8 Park and Rids Lot Expansion: The city ol pairridwe is
Expansion of the Avenue S Park
expwiding lhe Avenue S Lo% which is at capacity. This projou we provide an
TDM
turd Ride lot in Pallmdale will
Fag IM
increass, In pairk-anct" U capacity.
begin In early 1993.
to
Matrolink LAMante Clarlut Una: SCRIPLA, LACWrA and kicaii priadictions We
The Matrolink Line is in
clavelopecl to Wilrolink kne, supported by an elleclive hwdar network ot busm
TI
operation. Feeder busts; haw
OcL 1992
and like lacillies.
bow operating at" opening
day.
I I
North County Eqwo*o Bue Expansion: A joint veriturna of LA County. LA city.
Multi-jurisclkional saw"
1996
Antelope Valley Transit Autm* tund Sainits Clants Tntruik is expanding extintris
clasigri will be complirse in
bus sankA kom thit Antelope ancl Santa Cledut Vasys so serve mom
To
December 1993.
emplopirient content In to soullIk kwkK&V a special bus connemV An*4@
Valley with the Santa Cwft commular bria wm*k&L
12
Routs 126 Wkirining: Calgrana Is widening Roub 126 to bur kin" between
Construction is underway for
Route 126 to W lentis betwom dw Floula 14 (An"" Valley) and Routs 5
R
two ol the five phases of San
1996
(Galclan Stage) Freeways.
Fartiando Ad. The remaining
three phases will be&
cionsinrAon in 190.
13
Route 139 Posallim Lm"; Cagram Is developing passing lanea bowman
A
Conabructim is W iderway.
19M
Pearblossorn Highway aind to Route IS kincillon an Rouai 138 Ici provide M
kam sind passinii him aking ghs highway.
14
Route 136 111fiderthrig: Caltans Is developing a project to widen Routs 13a to
F1
Construction to boon in 19M on
lout laries be- — Pabidale and dig Son Bemarchici County Lina.
to Just phase "Wrient ol route
1992
138 between Ave. T and oft
street
rn
Q
U)
Q
CO
�U
rn
G)
a
.0
map
Locator
Description of Improvemant/Suategy
Category—
Status
In S�"
Dale
No.'
is
fth D"Gn Corridor Project: Coltrane is the lead agency for " mulki-
Study will be competed in 1993
To be
Juriiidiction, Piqua to provide a new corridor through tim WO D06un from
F1
determine d
norther LA Count/ 10 northern San Bernardino County. The current study win
analyze various conklor alignmenis In order to promicli nghtsol�sy.
16
North Couirity Ushrodrik Shitrule: The AVTA wW Santa Clerks Transit are
T1
Implantenlatiori depends on
Fal 1993
working together 19 implement a row bus route Inking the Antelope Valley arld
funding availability which is not
tie Santa Clara Valky, andl boding Me AUVoW* "on.
dakinnined.
17
Vidends BolidevardlSoladad Canyon Traffic Improvement*: Sarta Cfarits is
PrOIW is Undad Ckinatimikin
develophif; a metrVing and WVW coordination propa to MSKW the existing
ID boon 1993.
Doc 1994
10111CO111111Y from low b six Mm bGk"M P"JA 6 And PALAn 14. &W lo insull
A
I
katic now a" in existing madimy without Mai" mes construction. The
PROd WE iftipme scomi; to 11w Santa Ckft Metrolink ga"
is
Northeast Ran Fernando Valley Ralf Project: LACUTA is devokliping a light-
TI
Feasibility sludiss completed for
rod extension from Glendale to Sylmar, evenbugly extended vim turinsil to Santa
Glard"Anat segment;
To be
ciarkiL
awaking patronage modeling for
determined
North East San Fernando Valley
SL*- Project is not a
Candidate Corridor In the 30 -
Year Plan.
19
MOW" Extension to Lancaster: LACMTA and SORRA are developirig an
IT
Right-of-way has been squired
To Route
extension of Mardink bat~ Santa Clarks and Lancaster.
LACUTA W111 E" exPartakiri of
14 1993.
express bus"trobink b
Exlension
Painidafskencaster In ign.
to be
determined
201
Regional Aderliall System Development linstallation: The at" of Lancmkw
A
InclivIduati projects by each
On going
mid Palmdale along with Los Angeles kind Kom Coundes will Implement
jurladcbm am being
projects to to Antelope Valley Ragli" Ariadal Street System as specified in
implemarded annually.
he -Amiewide Sketch, Maier Plan of Highways- 11991).
21
Advancis VeNds Defection and Synchronization Optimization (AVDISq
TSM
Project Is funded for Fy 190-
1994
Project: The Cky of I micasker aking with LACMTA will kind to Imialation of
94. Project to be WAWI&d by city
video imaging defection agiOnant akxV to Avento K commuter owndor The
in sarti 1994.
project wig demonstrate this Is"NAly of it" tachnotogy, as an ifteleffigant
afternative, to sxi&*V kidluctm bop demotion.
22
1 — Fixed Route Transit Improvements: The AVTA Wong with LACIATA are
TI
Ton year kansit study to be
To be
JrwJ
working towards kriprovirig transit bus headways In the Antelope Valey to a
Completed
cla"r ned
maximum of 30 minutes for each mute.
rrri
171
0
Do
:13
ITI
G)
Map
Locatof
Description of ImprovementiStrategy
Category"
Status
In Sow"
Date
11
NO.'
23
Laocasler Slatiort Ustrofink/Park and Ride: The City of Lancaster along with
TDM
Lan�star City Councit has
199596
Caltmas sod LACMTA will purchase and develop the future site of the
aprovod the site and
Lanc�astw Station Jot MwjvAnk. The city has already identified dw location am
appropriated PS&E monies in
plans to constnict a perk -and -ride lot in the Interim until Metrokk extension
Fy 1993-94. Cooridnation of
occurs.
development with Calbrans It,
begin in early 1994.
24
Coltrane High Speed Rod NordbSouth Mudy: Calbrans is currently studying
F1
S" on-going Fy 1993-94
To be
the NortUSouth fth SpeW Rod PmjW for Ilhe Bakersfield Io Los Angeles
through Fy 1994-95. Inter-
dolemuned
connection. This s" shoAAd inckide enlaysis of lischnolo" as well as
judscliclional cootchnation for the
slbngment. goodit movernard potential and reponal Impacts.
developmeni of this facAity has
begun at State level.
25
Slarra flilghway Regional Commulec BUtewrey, The cities of Lancaster and
TDM
Phase I (Avenue S to Avenue
1994
Palmdale along with LACMTA will develop and WW a regional class I bikeway
M) has been funded. Phase 11
facility s4acem and panslel to Sis nra Highway.
(Avenue M No Lancasler Blvd)
remain& to be funded.
*Non -bold Locatm Numbers relet to rmm.lackW specific Iransportation Improvement strategies within die Southbay Subregion.
"I'l FacAty Improvernent, TSMTransportalion SYsIsm Management. TI -Transit Improvement TI)M-Trarawtalion Demand Management
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