LOCAL : Panel to Vote on October Start for Widening of Ventura Freeway
Work could begin as early as October on widening the heavily congested Ventura Freeway through the heart of the San Fernando Valley if state transportation officials approve the project Thursday, highway planners said today.
The $41.3-million widening project is to be considered by the California Transportation Commission, which is meeting in Fremont.
During the 22-month project, the 101 Freeway, which varies from 8 to 10 lanes, would be widened to a uniform 10 lanes from Universal City to Woodland Hills.
The widening has been delayed for years by lack of funds and by a fierce debate over whether the eastbound fifth lane should be a “diamond lane,” restricted to car pools and buses. Although the state Department of Transportation initially pushed for such a lane, it announced two years ago that because of strong opposition, the new lane would be open to all motorists.
A separate project to widen the freeway to four lanes each way in Woodland Hills is scheduled for completion in July.
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