The City of Santa Monica is proactively trying to manage the anticipated influx of people into Downtown during our summer weekends and holidays.
It’s called “Go with the Flow” and this new summer traffic management program aims to keep cars moving, streets safer and parking easier to find in Downtown Santa Monica.
Until Labor Day, every weekend and holiday will be designated a “Go with the Flow” day.
From 11 am to 7 pm traffic officers and other city staff will be out in force; directing drivers in and out of parking structures, relieving crowded intersections and trouble spots, and keeping intersections clear of gridlock.
Another key factor in this traffic management strategy will be the reduction of left turns.
In the Downtown area making left turns in or out of parking structures will not be allowed. This will keep traffic flowing and reduce backups entering and exiting structures.
In addition, signs will be placed at major routes into town notifying drivers which lots have available spaces.
There are eight parking structures Downtown offering a whopping 5,229 spaces, all within one block of each other.
Headed to the beach or pier? Additional signs will direct drivers to the South Beach lots instead of Downtown.
Tips to Go with the Flow
1. Stay the day! Come early and leave late to miss peak traffic hours. Take advantage of all there is to do and see in Santa Monica. Shopping, movies, the Pier, beach, great food, arts, culture, recreation…
2. Know Before You Go! Have a plan for your driving route and parking destination before you leave.
3. Explore your parking options. There are eight structures downtown, plus Parking Structure 9, the Civic Center and Main Library, download the Santa Monica Parking app to get real-time availability.
4. Keep it Breezy! Remember to “Go with the Flow.” You are almost to your destination promising sunshine and good times! The traffic officers are there to help you get in and out of town as smoothly as possible.
For more information on “Go with the Flow,” and links to the parking app, visit www.gowiththeflowsm.com.
