Officials Seek Solution to Freeway Congestion

Area cities and state and county transportation officials have begun a study to find ways to ease traffic on the Antelope Valley Freeway.

Input from residents and business people will be considered, said Deborah Redman, study project manager for the Southern California Assn. of Governments.

Officials from Lancaster, Palmdale and Santa Clarita, along with representatives from Caltrans, Los Angeles County, the county’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and private consultants will conduct the one-year study, Redman said.

The transportation alliance will meet with focus groups and make presentations in different communities, she said.

“We want to look at what people’s real needs are and try to match them up with a solution and funding program to put them on the ground,” Redman said.

Among the several plans being considered is construction of express toll lanes on the Antelope Valley Freeway from the Golden State Freeway interchange to Avenue L, Redman said.

Another plan would add reversible lanes--often used on bridges--that could accommodate traffic heading north or south during different times of the day, she said. The committee will also look at constructing a truck lane or developing an alternative route linking the Antelope Valley and Foothill freeways, she said.

“We’re looking for short-term and longer-term solutions,” Redman said. “If none of the alternatives are good, and if someone comes up with a brilliant fourth or fifth solution, there is nothing to prevent us from going with it.”

People interested in participating in the study or attending Antelope Valley traffic study meetings may call Redman at (213) 236-1928.