No Easy Way to Check Road Signs

Dear Traffic Talk:

As a studio driver I often travel Los Angeles freeways late at night or early in the morning before dawn.

It seems that no matter what stretch of freeway I’m on, I can see that at least 50% of the big overhead green signs are not lit!

As these dark signs can be seen only by reflected headlights, many cannot be read until one is practically on top of them. Some cannot be read at all.

Recently, on an eight-mile stretch of the San Diego Freeway--from the Sepulveda Pass to the Nordhoff exit--six signs were out!

I’d like to know why the lights on so many of these signs are simply not working?

Jack Iblings, Encino

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Dear Jack:

There are several different types of signs throughout Southland freeways, and they’re lit in various ways, says Caltrans spokesman Presley Burroughs.

Basically, that means there’s no easy way to check if all are working.

“Some reflect and others are lit electrically,” Burroughs said.

He added that Caltrans will investigate the areas you mentioned and contact you for others where you’ve encountered dark signs at night.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

In the morning I drive from Granada Hills to Sylmar to take my kids to school.

I live near the top of Balboa Boulevard at Foothill. On the way home, making a left turn on Balboa off of Foothill can be extremely trying.

The traffic coming down from Santa Clarita is nonstop, usually causing a backup for left turns.

I believe a turn signal for a certain amount of time in the morning would be very helpful.

Who would I contact about this?

Terri Romine, Granada Hills

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Dear Terri:

You must write a letter to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s West Valley office in Reseda.

The address is 19040 Vanowen St., Reseda 91335.

“Tell us the location and why you think it needs a signal but keep it as short as possible and concise,” said LADOT spokesman Fred Haymond.

He said LADOT will investigate but asks that you be patient.

“Nothing happens quick because there aren’t a whole lot of us working here,” Haymond said.

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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. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to valley@latimes.com.