Transportation Solutions

By Sue Benham

Transportation solutions are essential to pave the way for our city's continued growth.

The long term solution for relieving traffic congestion in the city is a beltway to loop around the city. I look forward to the results of the URS Griner comprehensive transportation study, due in the Spring of 2001. While major decisions should await that report, I will immediately begin to identify and develop strong relationships with funding sources at the state level.

Common sense dictates that we enhance east-west traffic movement in the meanwhile. Some short range, relatively low cost corrective measures should be taken now. Traffic light synchronization and right turn lanes on north-south traffic corridors will help unclog east-west traffic by encouraging drivers to use alternatives to the major east-west routes.

I also support improving Golden State Highway to provide a direct route from the 178 freeway to Highway 99, thereby relieving pressure on 24th Street. I support the construction of a Hageman Road "flyover" to alleviate congestion on Rosedale Highway.

Congestion and safety problems along the 24th Street corridor are of great concern to many residents of the Second Ward. Through my leadership on this issue, a neighborhood group has been formed to explore solutions. This is an example of my leadership style: I listen to people and sek consensus to reach common goals.