Traffic problems need to be addressed in Tam Valley

I have been a Tam Valley resident for more than 35 years.

For the past several years, I have heard complaints regarding our local traffic. The worst times, I was told, are on the weekdays when school is on. Given that I worked in Sonoma, I rarely dealt with the midday traffic issues. I was fortunate to only have to navigate through cars trying to get to the parks and beaches on the weekend. Those of you who have lived here for years have noted the increase of traffic during the weekends as well.

I retired several months ago, so I am now around town seven days a week. It is now obvious to me that bad traffic is affecting our lives. Traffic congestion must be considered before venturing out of the house. A 10-minute ride could take more than 30. It is a traffic disaster.

I have identified several problems and have provided solutions as well. The traffic light at Tennessee Valley Road and Highway 1, as well as the light at Shoreline Highway and Flamingo Road, need to stay green unless a pedestrian pushes a “walk” button. Both lights have been a disaster.

Additionally, the traffic flow from Altamont Avenue toward Tam Junction should be fixed. The turning lane on the right side at the junction was basically eliminated. There is room for the lane, but it appears that sloppy engineering has removed it. This creates backups all the way to Tamalpais High School.

The problems in Mill Valley contribute to our environmental concerns. Traffic leads to pollution, frustration and time wasted. It can be remedied. There are solutions.

— Norman Shore, Mill Valley