Enhancing Ramp Not Part of Job

Dear Traffic Talk:

The ramp to the eastbound 118 Freeway at Hayvenhurst in Granada Hills had considerable work done approximately a year ago for no apparent reason.

Prior to the construction there were two lanes leading up to the traffic control light at the top of the ramp. They merged into one lane after the light. Nothing has changed there.

The new construction did absolutely nothing to enhance this particular ramp. What gives?

Alan Matuny

Granada Hills

Dear Alan:

Caltrans performed the work under a court order and it had nothing to do with enhancing or expanding the ramp for motorists.

The purpose of the work was to stop erosion and control the city storm drain system from dumping waste that would eventually go into the ocean.

“It was strictly for stabilization and erosion control,” said Caltrans spokesman Presley Burroughs.

Dear Traffic Talk:

I have been researching this problem for seven years with no resolution. I live on San Luis Avenue in Woodland Hills, just south of the 101 Freeway.

The freeway noise is unbearable. I can’t even sleep in my bedroom because the noise is so bad. I was told in 1992 by people at Caltrans that a sound wall would be placed in 1995.

Then came the earthquake and they said they could no longer give me a date. They said, however, this area had high priority because of sound levels.

Can you please help me get some information.

Karen Lorleberg

Woodland Hills

Dear Karen:

The sound wall in your area is on the Caltrans priority list, according to a spokesman, but getting it up is not a simple process.

Although Caltrans does all the work, the MTA funds it and therefore must approve it. That means even if Caltrans is ready to begin the project, it must wait for the MTA to grant final approval. That could mean lengthy delays.

In your case, Caltrans is in fact ready to go.

“The preliminary design work has been done,” said Burroughs of Caltrans. “Now the MTA must make the funding destination. That’s how it’s done every year.”

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Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to [email protected].