Direction Traveled Doesn’t Matter

Dear Traffic Talk:

What does the Los Angeles Department of Transportation have against northbound and southbound traffic in the northwest San Fernando Valley?

I am referring to northbound traffic on Reseda Boulevard at Plummer and Lassen streets. Reseda traffic typically backs up for two light cycles, while only a handful of eastbound and westbound cars whiz by.

Then there’s the intersection of Reseda and Rinaldi Street. Not to mention the gantlet on northbound Balboa Boulevard to enter the westbound Ronald Reagan Freeway on a green arrow that lasts maybe four seconds.

--Ivan Dryer

Northridge

Dear Ivan:

No, there is no conspiracy against northbound and southbound traffic in the northwest Valley. Irrespective of the way traffic is headed, signals are usually timed to match traffic demand to provide sufficient crossing time for pedestrians and to synchronize with nearby traffic signals, said Bill Shao, a traffic engineer with the city Department of Transportation.

During the morning peak, midday and late-night hours, drivers on Reseda Boulevard at the Plummer and Lassen signals face less waiting time for green signals, Shao said. This aids drivers who want to get on Reseda going in the direction of the Ventura Freeway, he said.

At Reseda and Rinaldi, it’s a draw. During morning and afternoon peak hours, Rinaldi traffic is favored because many motorists use Rinaldi as an alternate to the Ronald Reagan Freeway, Shao said. Yet Reseda traffic always receives more green time because more motorists use it.

After city engineers noticed large trucks on northbound Balboa Boulevard waiting to turn left to enter the westbound freeway during peak hours, the left-turn light’s duration was increased at these times. During the midday and late-night hours, detectors adjust the amount of green-arrow time, Shao said. If few cars are turning left, the arrow’s duration is shorter, Shao said.

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