Los Angeles : Traffic Project Funds OKd

A program to install equipment to improve traffic flow and decrease congestion on the Santa Monica Freeway and surface streets leading to it has received a $1-million boost from the state, transportation officials announced this week.

“Smart corridor” techniques will include sensors embedded in roadways that report traffic conditions to computers in a central traffic control office. The office can then adjust the timing of traffic signals and freeway ramps, according to Los Angeles County Transportation Commission officials.

Other improvements include giving motorists improved traffic-condition information via radio advisories and changeable message signs, with input from emergency response teams and tow-truck operators.

Neil Peterson, executive director of the transportation commission, said the $1 million was approved by Gov. Pete Wilson after lobbying by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore and state Sen. Diane Watson, both Los Angeles Democrats.

The “smart corridor” project will cover a 12.3-mile stretch of the freeway, from the East Los Angeles interchange to Centinela Avenue.

The bill making the $1 million available was authored by Moore. The total project cost is $48 million, funded by federal, state and local sources. Transportation commission officials said all the elements of the project should be in place by spring, 1993.