LA City Council committee backs plan to clean up Sherman Way tunnel

A Los Angeles City Council committee on Wednesday, May 22, advanced a motion calling for a comprehensive plan to clean, maintain and bolster security of the Sherman Way tunnel.

The three-member Public Works Committee voted unanimously in favor of motion that aims to address ongoing issues of the underpass located in the San Fernando Valley, connecting Van Nuys Airport to Saticoy and Vanowen streets. The tunnel was built in 1959 to prevent the closure of Sherman Way, which had to be routed under the runway at the airport.

City Councilmember Imelda Padilla, who represents the 6th District, including the area where the tunnel is located, introduced the motion in March, and it was seconded by her colleague, Eunisses Hernandez.

Padilla, a member of the committee, also amended her motion to require the city to look at possibly using revenue generated by the Van Nuys Airport to fund graffiti abatement and secure the tunnel. Otherwise, the motion instructs the city administrative officer to identify funding for the work to be done.

According to her motion, the tunnel presents “unique security risks” and is a challenge for departments to consistently clean because it can require multiple lane closures and take several evenings to complete.

A community group known as Southern California San Fernando Valley said in a statement that residents who live near the airport have complained for years about the conditions of the tunnel.

Residents have previously urged Los Angeles World Airports, the city department that oversees LAX and VNA, to use revenue generated by the facilities to maintain the tunnel. The department has refused to do so, citing the Federal Aviation Administration’s position that it would constitute “misappropriation of funds.” However, the residents group insists it’s allowed under rules established by the City Charter.