Traffic on Lincoln Boulevard, between Marina Del Rey and LAX has grown to the point that on some days, travelers must allow an extra hour to get to and from the airport.
Frustrated urban planners have recommended that a monorail system be installed above the Boulevards’ meridian, but this project is expected to take at least 10 years, and many millions of dollars.
Councilman Bill Rosendahl, in an effort to create a more immediate solution, has announced the approval of a new Canoe Canal, which will be built alongside Lincoln Boulevard; adjacent to the Bike Lane. The new lane would accommodate canoes of any size, and will allow local residents a pleasant alternative to driving up and down the road. The new "Canoe Lane" will begin at Fiji Way in the Marina, and traverse through the Ballona Wetlands, up and down the Westchester Bluffs, and end at Terminal One at LAX.
“We began digging the trench last Friday,” said Councilman Rosendahl, “ and we are digging about one-hundred yards a day. I am very pleased with the progress, and very excited to give commuters a chance to paddle to and from the LAX area.”
An additional plan is in the works, that will make a “Canoe Intersection” at Ballona Creek, allowing paddlers access to the interior of Los Angeles and out to the sea near Playa Del Rey.
Canals of this type have in fact part of the local community for many years. In the early 1900’s, Abbot Kinney built an extensive series of gondola canals at Venice, CA, and many of those canals remain today.
Local resident, and canoe aficionado, Phoebe B. Beebe, praised trhe effforts of local politicians; "I can't wait for this project to be finished,' said Beebe, " A New Canoe Canal is just we need here!'
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