L.A.’s Infrastructure Is Dead in the Water

James Flanigan’s “Removing Roadblocks to Prosperity” [On Southern California, June 17] was timely and appropriate.

I lived in Houston during the downturn there during the mid-1980s and was fascinated that the improvements to the infrastructure continued throughout the recession. When the economy came roaring back, all the necessary steps had been taken, and the improved infrastructure handled the load as well as any metropolitan area could. During this time the concept of toll roads was introduced.

I look at Southern California with a different perspective. I see very limited improvements taking place in the infrastructure here, although much work is needed. The 710 freeway would cut down traffic now forced through downtown and the East L.A. interchange, but lawsuits have prevented anything happening for nearly 30 years. The 101-405 interchange is a mess, has been a mess, and nothing but some vague talk has happened. Carpool lanes are needed the most through the Sepulveda Pass, the Westside, Cahuenga Pass, Interstate 5 and through the East L.A. interchange. Nothing is happening; traffic jams happen daily.

Last week I was in the Bay Area looking for work. I see massive amounts of road construction taking place and carpool lanes that are open to all when it isn’t rush hour. I see a housing and labor market that is booming and has been for years. This despite the fact that the area has as many separate cities and has many toll bridges that people must cross to get to work and home again.

KEN KELLER

Valencia