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| Palmdale City Urges Residents to Attend SR-14 Public Scoping Meetings and Submit Comments |
PALMDALE, CA — The City of Palmdale urges residents to participate in upcoming public scoping meetings to make it clear that the Antelope Valley wants proper improvements on SR-14. From frequent crashes to frustrating traffic jams, Caltrans wants your feedback on the SR-14 North Los Angeles County Safety and Mobility Improvement Project.
Caltrans and Metro have proposed several options for consideration for these improvements, including safety improvements on both the mainline and ramps and enhanced multimodal transportation options such as ramp metering systems, electric vehicle charging stations and public transit connectivity improvements. Caltrans is also considering utility and drainage improvements, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and wildlife habitat connectivity within the SR-14 corridor.
One additional alternative, the “Removal of General Purpose Lane,” is part of the review to no longer build more freeway lanes on SR-14. These changes will also impact the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis, which would double or triple the project’s cost. The City, along with Lancaster and Santa Clarita officials, opposes this alternative and invites residents to speak up for our community.
“This alternative clearly indicates Caltrans and Metro’s lack of concern for our residents’ time and wellbeing,” voiced Mayor Austin Bishop. “The fact that Caltrans and Metro have the audacity to present this plan under the guise of ‘enhancing safety and improving mobility’ proves their disregard for people who regularly travel on the SR-14. We strongly urge residents to attend the scoping meetings and voice their opinions on this project proposal.”
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The North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition (NCTC), which represents Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas, is funding a study aimed at addressing safety concerns on SR-14 and expanding lanes where they currently end. Motorists are encouraged to highlight the risks of crashes and the chronic delays caused by traffic congestion, especially in areas where the freeway narrows due to the sudden lane drop. Residents are also urged to emphasize that the SR-14 is a critical lifeline route for northern Los Angeles County. The portion of the freeway running through the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys has a higher-than-average collision rate compared to statewide statistics, emphasizing the urgent need for safety improvements to improve traffic flow. There is a growing demand for more transportation options in the region, including increased Metrolink service on the Antelope Valley Line to better connect commuters with local bus routes.
“The residents of the Antelope Valley must help us fix the SR-14. It is imperative that the public join these meetings and make their voices heard,” said Mayor Pro Tem Richard Loa. “We cannot allow individuals who are far removed from our region to make decisions that impact our lives. It is already evident that Caltrans and Metro do not have the best interest of the community in mind, so we urge residents to join us and express their concerns.”
The three scoping meetings will be held at the following locations and times:
Palmdale Scoping Meeting
Tuesday, November 19, 6-8 p.m.
Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 E Ave. S, Palmdale, CA 93550
Lancaster and Santa Clarita Scoping Meetings
Thursday, November 14, 6-8 p.m.
Lancaster City Hall, City Council Chambers, 44933 Fern Ave., Lancaster, CA 93534
Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Centre on Centre Pointe Pkwy – Cedar Hall, 20880 Centre Pointe Pkwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Meeting participants will be able to submit questions, comments or concerns in writing or via speaker card. Scoping comments may also be submitted through the project helpline at 213/922-4222. Written comments may also be submitted through the project email, sr14@metro.net or by mail addressed to:
Karl Price, Senior Environmental Scientist
Division of Environmental Planning
Caltrans, District 7
100 South Main Street, Suite 100, MS 16A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Scoping comments may be submitted throughout the 45-day public comment period ending on Wednesday, December 4.
High collision rates and unpredictable travel times have long plagued the SR-14 corridor between the I-5 and Pearblossom Highway. It’s essential for residents and businesses, who use and rely on this route daily, to voice their concerns and advocate for a future that truly meets the needs of the community.
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Posted on Nov 06, 2024 19:25pm by admin
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