How to avoid Traffic Circle on commute from Huntington Beach to Long Beach? (Anaheim: apartment, to live in)

[scubacat]

I recently moved to Huntington Beach and am commuting to Long Beach (near Atlantic Ave and the 405) . I had the pleasure of discovering the Traffic Circle in Long Beach on my first day of work and nearly had a heart attack trying to maneuver it. I would like to avoid it if at all possible, due to the added stress of driving in it. I'm coming from the Sunset Beach area of HB and so my options (according to Google Maps) are taking Seal Beach Blvd to 405, take PCH all the way to Atlantic Ave, or take PCH to Lakewood Blvd to 405. Unfortunately, the latter two options require me to go through the traffic circle, and the first option adds on 2 miles to my commute. Is there another way to go so I can avoid the traffic circle? Is the outer circle any less stressful than the inner circle? Which way would be quicker at 6:30 am--the 405 or PCH? Thanks!

[Vascodagama]

Originally Posted by scubacat

I recently moved to Huntington Beach and am commuting to Long Beach (near Atlantic Ave and the 405) . I had the pleasure of discovering the Traffic Circle in Long Beach on my first day of work and nearly had a heart attack trying to maneuver it. I would like to avoid it if at all possible, due to the added stress of driving in it. I'm coming from the Sunset Beach area of HB and so my options (according to Google Maps) are taking Seal Beach Blvd to 405, take PCH all the way to Atlantic Ave, or take PCH to Lakewood Blvd to 405. Unfortunately, the latter two options require me to go through the traffic circle, and the first option adds on 2 miles to my commute. Is there another way to go so I can avoid the traffic circle? Is the outer circle any less stressful than the inner circle? Which way would be quicker at 6:30 am--the 405 or PCH? Thanks!

What about 7th st or Anaheim from PCH to Atlantic

[ferretkona]

You can use mapquest to find the best or shortest route and you can tell it to avoid the circle. I never really minded it. There are three lanes to enter at all points. The outer circle does have a light.

[scubacat]

Originally Posted by Don9

What about 7th st or Anaheim from PCH to Atlantic

Thanks, I'll try one of those ways next time.

[Avalon08]

I lived in HB for two years (99-01) but don't remember the traffic circle....but regardless, I HATE traffic circles. They have them all over in Jersey, and one-by-one are getting rid of them, but I get stressed out too. They also have one in St. Armand's Circle (duh), Sarasota, FL....can't tell you the times I went off in the wrong direction because I got disoriented in the stupid circle. But enjoy your time in CA....I miss it!

[DinsdalePirahna]

That traffic circle was built to accommodate European drivers headed for the rowing events at the 1932 Olympic Games.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by Avalon08

I lived in HB for two years (99-01) but don't remember the traffic circle....but regardless, I HATE traffic circles.

Scubacat is referring to the circle in Long Beach on PCH and Lakewood bvd (hwy 19)and Los Coyotes Diagonal. It is a pretty mild circle. The most mild circle I know of is in the city of Orange.

[BRinSM]

when my wife used to live in belmont shore, every now and then i would drive around the traffic circle a few times before exiting to the freeway or her apartment near the beach. i thought it was fun

[Avalon08]

OK, thanks....yes, I see it on the map. I probably never went up that way. If I was going up to Long Beach, I was probably just sticking to Ocean Blvd.

[Dennis P]

I used to go to the Kaiser clinic on PCH right by the Traffic Circle, coming south on Lakewood Blvd. Then after going there, I'd head to work in Los Alamitos by going on the Traffic Circle and turning off on Los Coyotes Diagonal to Willow, which turns into Katella after crossing under the 605. I've lived in the Greater Long Beach Metro area all my life and for the longest time hated driving through the Traffic Circle. But then I decided to just give it a try by paying attention to the signs and watching for any drivers trying to merge into the circle, and signaling when you're going to turn off (to Lakewood Blvd., Los Coyotes Diagonal, etc). It really isn't all that bad once you know how to navigate through it!