Traffic Safety: City Council Addresses 6-Way Intersection

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Beverly Hills City Council on Monday addressed traffic concerns following a recent sideshow incident that resulted in multiple arrests.

The council largely focused on the six-way intersection of North Beverly Glen Drive, North Canon Drive and Lomitas Avenue. The intersection has required law enforcement attention in the past and is well-known locally for its confusing and seemingly dangerous layout.

The city made several arrests in connection with a massive sideshow at the six-way intersection on Feb. 18. The sideshow involved over 100 cars that blocked the intersection entirely with over 150 spectators.

"Driving behavior in Beverly Hills, the Los Angeles region, and nationally reflects a growing trend in reckless driving and a rise in traffic violence," city staff wrote in an agenda report.

Although the intersection is notoriously stressful, data has shown it to be safe, said Daren Grilley, city engineer. It's the second largest intersection in the city behind Wilshire Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard.

The city will considering options to make the six-way intersection less stressful, Grilley said. The city will consider a roundabout over the summer and has added cameras to the existing two traffic cameras at the intersection, according to the staff report.

"Good intersection design doesn't raise your blood pressure as you get close to it. So while the collision rates may be low, I think there are opportunities there where we can make some improvements," Grilley said.

Multiple Councilmembers expressed concerns that changing the intersection might create unforeseen issues.

The council discussed other common traffic issues in the city, including loud traffic noises in the business district and residential areas. Traffic safety has become a key concern of Beverly Hills parents as well, Mayor Bob Wunderlich said.

Traffic safety has become a major discussion around the country as pedestrian deaths have significantly increased over recent years. Drivers in Beverly Hills have been faster and more reckless since the pandemic began, Beverly Hills Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook said.

The council will discuss traffic safety again at their March 15 meeting, Wunderlich said.