Traffic commission approves U-turn plan for passenger cars, bars truck U-turns at six North Montabella intersections

The Montebello Traffic and Safety Commission voted to remove broad no-U-turn restrictions for passenger cars and to install custom “no U-turn for trucks” signs at six signalized intersections on North Montabella Boulevard after hearing a city-engineered evaluation and testimony from nearby business owners.

Dennis Barnes, a consultant traffic engineer for the city, told the commission the vehicle-tracking analysis showed passenger cars can complete U-turns at the intersections but single-unit delivery trucks cannot. “The passenger car makes it, but the single unit delivery trucks do not make it,” Barnes said, and recommended posting an R3-4-style sign for trucks at each intersection to prevent delivery-truck collision or curb strikes. Barnes estimated the cost for 16 custom signs at about $7,200 and said funds are available in the public works maintenance budget.

Business owners said the center median islands have reduced customer access. Saris Sahaken, representing Anish/Anie’s Chicken on North Montabella, thanked the commission for added parking but urged allowing a U-turn at Beverly to improve access. Denise, owner of Heavenly Choice, said the median installation has been “disastrous” for businesses that draw customers from outside the city and added that driveway collisions near Rio’s Pizza remain a serious concern. Michael Reyes, owner of Onetop Graphics, described lost customers and urged approval of U-turns to restore access.

Commissioners and staff discussed sign placement (mast arm, pole or median post), visibility options including illuminated or blank-out signs, enforcement (the segment is not a designated truck route), and alternatives such as split-phase signal timing if collisions continue. Barnes said the next steps, if approved, would be a work order to manufacture and install the signs and field checks at each intersection to determine the best mounting approach.

Commissioner Hernandez moved to approve the traffic engineer’s recommendations; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Takyama. Roll-call votes were recorded as Takyama yes, Hogan yes, Hernandez yes, Vice Chair Knox yes and Chair Bass yes; the motion passed 5-0.

The commission directed staff to proceed with sign procurement and installation and to schedule a field review after implementation to monitor access, driver compliance and any safety issues. If truck conflicts or other problems persist, staff noted the city could revisit signal phasing or additional physical changes.

What’s next: staff will issue the work order for signs, install the custom truck-restriction signs at the six intersections, and conduct follow-up field observations and outreach with affected businesses to assess whether further changes are needed.