Century Freeway

Recent articles on the opening of the Century Freeway have almost all noted its incredible cost, $2.2 billion. Certainly by comparison to freeway costs of 20 years ago these costs are enormous. But then so are the costs of inadequate freeways. According to a comprehensive study by the Texas Transportation Institute, Los Angeles drivers have one of the most inadequate freeway systems in the country in terms of lane-mile capacity per mile of use. For 51 cities in the U.S., the same study reveals the close relationship between freeway lane-mile adequacy and actual, tangible costs of congestion. This relationship provides a solid basis for evaluating the real cost benefits of new freeways. On this basis, every additional lane-mile of Los Angeles freeway capacity is worth some $2.7 million per year in reduced costs of congestion. The 138 lane-miles provided by the new freeway will pay back the total $2.2 billion cost in less than six years.

A. J. MALLINCKRODT

North Tustin

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Thanks, Times, you have reminded me of one of life’s more important lessons--the only thing that lasts is love. My father, John Byork, was passionate about the I-105 (Century) Freeway. First, that it not divide his beloved city, Lynwood, and later, when the destruction had been accomplished, that at least it not be in vain. He led a spirited, lengthy and successful fight to facilitate the completion of the I-105. In fact, there were several suggestions that it be named for him. Yet none of your articles mentions his name (Oct. 10). No acknowledgment by Caltrans, et al., of his efforts. Ergo, my lesson. The memories of John Byork reside secure within his daughters--not of politics or freeways--but of laughter, commitment, wisdom and love.

CAROL BYORK RHODES

Fullerton