Traffic Signal Project on Fast Track

Traffic signals at hundreds of San Fernando Valley intersections will be synchronized as early as next year, reducing drive times by up to 15%, a transit advocacy group says.

In a report to be released today, the Valley Transportation Strike Force says its lobbying efforts shaved at least two years off the traffic signal synchronization project.

The city of Los Angeles originally planned to complete it by 2005 or 2006, the report says.

Richard Katz, co-chair of the advocacy group, said his organization jump-started the project by persuading the California Department of Transportation to provide the city with technical support.

The synchronization is part of $820 million in transportation improvements planned for the Valley. The others include a bus corridor from Warner Center to the North Hollywood subway station and carpool lanes on the Golden State Freeway.

The Valley Transportation Strike Force has sought to accelerate transit projects in the region to ensure that they don’t lose their funding.

“We’re making a difference in helping improve the Valley’s mobility,” said Katz, a former state assemblyman.

Officials for the city Department of Transportation declined to comment on the report.

The advocacy group includes representatives of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, the Automobile Club of Southern California and Washington Mutual Bank.