Caltrans Responds to Pupils’ Protests Over Construction

Regarding the article concerning Caltrans construction near the 61st Street School (“The Power of the Pen (or Pencil),” Dec. 26):

Because we realized early on that dust and noise could pose a problem for the school, Caltrans implemented the following measures:

* Built sound walls,

* Monitored air quality and performed soil testing,

* Offered to move the cafeteria away from construction,

* Built an alternative access for supply trucks,

* Offered to stop heavy equipment operation between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (lunchtime),

* Made it possible for the contractor to work weekends,

* Delayed the paving operation until school was closed for the holidays,

* Ran water trucks frequently to prevent dust from traveling,

* Stayed in constant contact with Principal Don Marzullo, who was very supportive of our efforts.

In addition, Caltrans held meetings with parents and other concerned groups to keep them apprised of the work.

Caltrans’ policy is to be a good neighbor and work with the affected community whenever we construct a project.

Major freeway construction in an urban area is always difficult because no matter how we schedule work, we impact either residents and/or motorists. The work on this project involves widening the Harbor Freeway and constructing a transit way from the Artesia Freeway to the Santa Monica Freeway.

This project is important to the community because it will help to provide better access to jobs and other services outside the area while helping to improve air quality via the transit way, which is for the exclusive use of buses and other car-pool vehicles.

JERRY B. BAXTER

District 7 Director

Caltrans