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In a gloomy forecast for Ventura Boulevard commuters, the city Transportation Department has concluded that traffic will come to a standstill in Encino if the thoroughfare is built up to the level permitted under existing zoning.
Peak-hour traffic flow at five of six major intersections in Encino is unsatisfactory or worse, a Transportation Department report says.
When six office buildings, comprising 1.2 million square feet, are completed, traffic will increase by an average of 25% at the six intersections, the report said. The extra traffic will cause four of the intersections to fall into the lowest category under a city rating system for traffic flow, the study stated.
The Transportation Department's report, which represents the first comprehensive study of current and future traffic conditions on Ventura Boulevard, was commissioned by City Councilman Marvin Braude.
29,000 More Car Trips
Citing the "worst-case scenario," the report said current zoning in the 3 1/2-mile stretch of Ventura between Sepulveda Boulevard and Lindley Avenue would permit another 14.5 million square feet of construction. That density of development would be the equivalent of 36 buildings the size of the new 400,000-square-foot Encino Terrace Center-commonly called the Fujita building-at Ventura and Densmore Avenue.
If the land is developed as office buildings, an additional 29,000 car trips would be generated during the evening rush hour, the report stated. A vehicle arriving at an office building...