Left-Turn Signal Not Always a Go

Dear Traffic Talk:

Several months ago a new traffic signal with left-turn green arrows was installed at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Moorpark Street in Studio City. But I have never seen these left-turn signals in operation and I pass that intersection daily at different times.

I am curious to know why they are not operating. Once the yellow light changes to red, like the Energizer bunny, the cars keep coming and coming--not just slowing legitimate traffic but presenting a danger to motorists and pedestrians alike.

--Ethel Fisher

Studio City

Dear Ethel:

The left-turn arrow for southbound traffic on Laurel Canyon heading east on Moorpark is operating, but it appears only when there are sufficient vehicles turning left, said Irwin L. Chodash, East Valley district transportation engineer for the city Department of Transportation.

The signal is “protected-permissive,” meaning the turn arrow comes on when about five vehicles queue to turn left, Chodash said. The left-turn pocket’s sensor is about 80 feet from the crosswalk. If only a few vehicles are turning left, they have to make the turn on a green light, Chodash said.

Dear Traffic Talk:

I live near the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Laurel Terrace in Studio City. Sunswept Drive dead-ends onto Laurel Terrace about 15 feet south of this intersection.

A section on Laurel Terrace is painted “Keep Clear” to give cars merging from Sunswept access to Laurel Terrace. There are two problems. First, motorists ignore the Keep Clear sign, making it difficult to exit Sunswept. Second, the green light for north and southbound Laurel Terrace/Whitsett Avenue traffic crossing Ventura lasts [only] 10 seconds.

These conditions have created a dangerous intersection for cars and pedestrians. Can you help?

--Bob Milanesi

Studio City

Dear Bob:

The short green light is intended to discourage more drivers from using Laurel Terrace at Ventura Boulevard as a shortcut, said Chodash of the city’s transportation department.

Drivers avoiding congestion at the nearby intersection of Laurel Canyon and Ventura boulevards often use Laurel Terrace, creating heavy traffic in a residential area, Chodash said. Residents have complained about the traffic, he said, and engineers responded by providing limited green time at Laurel Terrace.

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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.news@latimes.com.