Poorly Timed Signal Will Be Improved

Dear Traffic Talk:

I am writing about the traffic signal at Mason Avenue and Lassen Street.

Going west in the evening the light at Lassen is always about five or six seconds slow, causing a real slow-up for westbound traffic.

Consequently, if you want to make the green light at De Soto, you have to speed up to about 45 mph.

If they switched the north- and southbound light at Mason just five or six seconds, the traffic flow could move at about 35 mph all the way across Lassen from east to west.

To solve the traffic problem, the light at Mason and Lassen--which is out of sync after about 6:30 p.m.--needs to get fixed.

Hal Sander

Chatsworth

Dear Hal:

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is taking steps to correct the problem at Mason Avenue and Lassen Street and the surrounding area, according to authorities.

The signal timing on Lassen between Winnetka and Canoga avenues will be modified to allow signal synchronization for 35 mph in the off-peak hours, according to Brian Gallagher, a transportation engineer with department.

He said the work--to be completed this month--will include seven signals over a 1 1/2-mile distance.

Dear Traffic Talk:

Since they resurfaced the Ventura Freeway--north and south--between North Hollywood and Woodland Hills and put down asphalt over the cement, it has become the worst-riding freeway in Los Angeles.

I tow a boat over this stretch of road and it jolts the truck so bad sometimes I think it will tear off the trailer.

Also, when I’m in my van, every time I drive over the bridges--which is where the road has severe bumps--it almost goes out of control.

Not only do I think this is dangerous, but I am sure others must have complained about the problem.

Can this matter be investigated?

Jim Dunn

Los Angeles

Dear Jim:

Caltrans is aware of the problem and plans are in the works to correct it, authorities said.

The rough-riding conditions have been caused by soil consolidation resulting from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, according to Pat Reid, a Caltrans spokeswoman.

She said her agency has recently begun advertising a construction project to potential bidders.

The project, which should result in a more gentle ride over this stretch of the Ventura Freeway, is scheduled to begin this summer.

Dear Traffic Talk:

I notice that the on- and offramps for Winnetka Avenue on the 118 Freeway have been resurfaced.

I was wondering why, since they are ramps that are not open and there don’t seem to be plans to open them in the near future.

Norton Goldberg

Chatsworth

Dear Norton:

The ramps are scheduled to open in March, said Pat Reid, a Caltrans spokeswoman.

When open, they will give motorists access only to a new park-and-ride facility just south of the freeway, she said.

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. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to valley@latimes.com