Intersection Management :: Lane Management :: Special Event Management
Crash Reduction :: Goods Delivery Management :: Real Time Traffic Information

It is imperative to continue to improve the efficiency of the existing roadway system. LADOT does this through the application of traffic control strategies, new technology, special event management, and motorist awareness and education. It is estimated that the affect of the cumulative efforts is the avoidance of 25 million hours of delays annually that Los Angeles motorist would otherwise experience.

Intersection Management

For the City street system, most of the capacity constraints are at intersections. At 4300 locations traffic signals have been installed to facilitate the orderly flow of traffic. Department staff monitor, evaluate, and develop operational plans to improve the management of intersections. These measures include:

• New traffic signals
• Adding left turn signal arrow
• Adding left turn lanes
• Retiming the traffic signals
• Operating networks of signals through the computerized Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control system
• Deploying Traffic Officers, where necessary at locations vulnerable to gridlock.

For more information on these measures, visit LADOT's TIPS (Transportation Information, Programs and Services) page.

To discuss a concern with City staff, dial 3-1-1 from any phone in the City of Los Angeles and a "One Call to City Hall" representative will connect you with appropriate staff.

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Lane Management

Special traffic lanes are designed and striped to serve a variety of traffic demands. They include:

• Left turn channelization, such as two-way left turn lanes, so as to reduce conflicts between motorists stopped to turn and motorists proceeding through.
• Peak period lanes are created where the width permits and where parking can be prohibited in order to accommodate traffic flow during peak hours.
• One-way streets are operated on narrow, closely spaced arterial streets in business districts in order to maintain adequate traffic circulation.
• Reversible lanes are considered an important gateway streets where there is pronounced directional flow.

For more information on these measures, visit LADOT's TIPS (Transportation Information, Programs and Services) page. To discuss a concern call 3-1-1, and a City Call Center representative will put you in touch with the correct staff member.

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Special Event Management

Approximately 2,500 special events are held in the City of Los Angeles every year. These events range from stationary gatherings at fixed sites, such as block parties and Dodger games, to moving events that traverse City streets, such as parades, and the Los Angeles Marathon. Almost every special event requires some form of parking or traffic management plan to ensure the safety of the participants as well as road users and to minimize the traffic congestion associated with the special event.

Special events are approved by several entities within the City. These entities include the Police Commission for Parade Permits, the Board of Public Works for Street Closure Permits and the City Council with Motions declaring gatherings as Special Events. LADOT supports these events from simply posting parking restrictions at the event location to the preparation and execution of detailed Special Event Traffic Management Plans.

For more information, see the PDF document "Special Event Traffic Management". Also, information regarding planned special events, associated street closures and detours are communicated to the public through various media including a posted telephone information hotline, electronic changeable message signs and the City's website, trafficinfo.lacity.org.

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Crash Reduction

Studies have concluded that up to 50% of all congestion is attributable to non-reoccurring incidents, which includes traffic crashes. LADOT District Engineering Offices undertake numerous studies and evaluations to identify unusual collision patterns at intersections and midblock locations. Unusual patterns lead to the identification of added or revised traffic control devices

Traffic safety education is an important component in addressing collision reduction. The Safe Moves program provides bicycle and pedestrian safety training to students at approximately 300 schools each year in a miniature street setting. The Watch the Road campaign targets road user behaviors that contribute to thousands of needless collisions each year and that are susceptible to behavioral changes. High impact safety messages are being disseminated through various print and electronic media resources. For more information visit watchtheroad.org.

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Goods Delivery Management

The District Engineering Offices assist in the delivery of commercial goods by designating special curb zones for delivery vehicles. Yellow curb zones are for commercial loading and are installed in commercial districts where there is a compelling and recurrent need to reserve curb space for loading freight and bulky items. A new parking meter for loading zones is being tested that enables commercial vehicles to stay beyond the normal 30-minute time limit.

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Real Time Traffic Information

Real time vehicle speeds for Los Angeles arterial streets are displayed at trafficinfo.lacity.org. The source of the information is the traffic detectors installed as part of the on-going expansion of the City's Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control System, which is currently about 70% complete. This information is intended to assist motorists make more informed decisions on travel routes and the budgeting of trip time.

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