Hollywood Sign Tourism Traffic Is A Nightmare — The City Wants To Fix That

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Increasing strain on neighborhood infrastructure from Hollywood Sign looky-loos has prompted the City Council to explore a suite of potential fixes, covering everything from fencing to tour buses.

Councilmember Nithya Raman, who represents the area around the Hollywood Sign, recently introduced five motions to address safety concerns and infrastructure-strain due to visitors' driving, ride-hailing or taking tour buses on narrow residential streets to view the Hollywood sign.

Here's a rundown of the motions, all of which have been referred to committees for further discussion.

Replace Mulholland Drive fencing

Temporary fencing already blocks views of the Hollywood Sign above Lake Hollywood Park. It eliminates the temptation for motorists to stop and block the road in order to take in the views.

Raman says the solution works, so it should be made permanent. The new fence would also create additional space for pedestrians, according to the motion.

Install a roundabout at Mulholland Drive and Canyon Lake Drive

The intersection is a popular for vista-viewers, which often causes traffic backups during peak tourist days on the difficult-to-navigate road.

"This intersection was not constructed to sustain the level of vehicular traffic it receives today and visitors often three-point-turn at this narrow intersection or continue traveling up the two-lane Mulholland Highway looking for another location to turn around," Raman's motion reads. "The City should consider installing a traffic roundabout at this intersection to better facilitate safe vehicular travel in this area, improve pedestrian safety for visitors walking to the viewpoints, and enhance overall traffic flow and safety."

Study parking improvements for Canyon Lake Drive

Raman's motion suggests implementing a paid parking program similar to that of Griffith Observatory, as well as the creation of a parking zone that gives preference to residents.

Study tour bus impacts

The city is expected to finalize its report on the impact of tour buses in hillside neighborhoods on the west side of the 101 Freeway. Raman's motion asks for a follow-up study that would focus on communities on the east side of the freeway.

Improve access to the Wisdom Tree

The Wonder View Trail up to the Wisdom Tree is a popular hiking route that requires hikers to walk up a twisting narrow road with blind curves. Raman's motion requests the trail be extended so that hikers can avoid walking in the street.