A Widening Problem

We’re not surprised by the answers the Ventura County Transportation Commission got when it took a telephone survey to support its desire to widen California 118. But we are disappointed that VCTC can’t seem to think of any solution to transit problems other than putting more pavement across Ventura County’s greenbelts to invite more cars and trucks.

The survey asked 400 drivers whether they consider the two-lane highway dangerous and gave options about fixing the problems, including a Moorpark truck bypass, a Somis bypass and a redesign of the Somis Road intersection. Among the reported responses:

* 54% consider the existing highway is dangerous or very dangerous.

* 82% favor widening the road.

* 72% support improving the intersection between California 118 and California 34.

* 64% support a Moorpark bypass.

We agree that a bypass is sorely needed to reroute the thousands of trucks that rumble through Moorpark each day. Aside from the noise, dust and traffic hazard they bring, a growing body of research cites diesel fumes as one of the unhealthiest ingredients of smog.

Help to fund and construct such a route was part of what Messenger Co. offered in its bid to build the Hidden Creek Ranch development. With that deal rejected by voters last year, the city must work with VCTC to find other ways to pay for a bypass.

Although much smaller than Moorpark, semirural Somis too would benefit from a bypass.

Four-laning the highway would not be allowed under the county’s current General Plan. When the plan expires in 2010, supervisors may amend it to allow for a four-lane highway. Whether that will be necessary depends on how hard VCTC works to encourage modes of transportation other than cars and trucks.

The Board of Supervisors was right last April when it voted unanimously to support only scaled-down versions of the Caltrans-VCTC plans for this area. Nothing about the new opinion survey changes that.