Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt – photo: Dan Wilson

(Best Syndication News) WRIGHTWOOD - A taskforce created to address winter traffic problems in the Wrightwood area this week held its final planning meeting before the beginning of the winter season. The group made several recommendations for improving traffic flow in and out of the winter resort community.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in this effort, including the agencies, local businesses and residents," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the area and who worked with Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich to lead the coalition's efforts. "Wrightwood, with its beautiful mountain setting, is an ideal location for recreation, especially during the winter. However, this must be balanced with the need to ensure a smooth flow of visitors in and out of town. Last year, the taskforce's recommendations improved traffic flow, and I'm hopeful that we can continue that trend."

The taskforce was formed last year after local businesses and residents voiced concerns to the offices of Supervisors Mitzelfelt and Antonovich regarding severe traffic congestion, parking issues and overcrowding that occurred last winter. The Supervisors' offices responded jointly by forming a working group of government agencies, community groups and local business people and residents to develop solutions to the concerns.

Members of the group include several federal, state and county agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, CalTrans, several county agencies from both Los Angeles and San Bernardino County, including the Sheriff's Department, Public Works, the Fire Department, and the Office of Emergency Services.

Several local community groups also participated, including the Wrightwood Communications Group, Disaster Preparedness Group, CERT Team, Property Owners Association, and Fire Safe Council as well members of the Chamber of Commerce and representatives from Mountain High Ski Resort.

Some recommendations discussed by the group include:

- Improving signage along SR-2 and using existing changeable message signs to inform the public of traffic congestion or alternate routes.

- Intensifying traffic enforcement efforts during peak periods, possibly including chain and towing enforcement.

- Improving public information efforts, including the use of the local AM 1610 radio station.

By: David Zook