ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: April 2, 2008
Contact: Sheri Pemberton
Phone: (916) 319-2053

Lieu Introduces Bill to Transfer Portions of South Bay Streets to Torrance to Improve Traffic

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) announced the introduction of AB 2326, a bill that would transfer control of two stretches of important roadways from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to the city of Torrance.

“This bill will save the state money, while allowing for quicker repairs to roads and better synchronization of traffic signals,” said Assemblymember Lieu.  "Having the state relinquish these portions of streets to the city of Torrance allows the city to have more efficient control over its own street operations."

If relinquishment occurs, the City and private developers would no longer be required to apply for, or obtain, a permit from CalTrans for work, such as pavement, striping, signs, traffic signals, or curb/gutter changes, within the relinquished streets.  This would reduce the current delay in starting traffic mitigation projects, since the city would no longer have to wait for CalTrans approval.  Also, the City would become the issuer of permits to developers for work in the public right of way, which would allow the city to control standards and all aspects of private construction.

"We are pleased Assemblymember Lieu introduced this important legislation,” said Torrance Mayor Frank Scotto.  “It is critical that the City receives control over these streets for the safety and benefit of its citizens.”

"We look forward to continuing our work with CalTrans and the City on this bill so the residents of Torrance and the surrounding communities can finally be in control of the maintenance and permitting for these two important stretches of roadway,” added Assemblymember Lieu.

AB 2326 would cede five miles each of PCH and Hawthorne within the city's limits from CalTrans to the City of Torrance.  This would give the City ownership and control overall infrastructure, traffic signals and other improvements within the right-of-way.

This bill will be heard in committee in the coming weeks.