Caltrans' Update: Decision on Encino Avenue POC Project

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John Cinatl

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Mar 22, 2021, 6:15:22 PM3/22/21
to CABO Forum
Hi Gang

Need help down here in So. Calif.

The decision (see below) to do away with this existing ped/bike over-crossing makes no sense. The existing (and proposed new replacement) over-crossing provides a way over the 8-lane 101 freeway for a residential area that is hemmed in between two major arterials in the San Fernando Valley.

Any help you folks can provide would be gratefully accepted.

John Cinatl

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----- Forwarded Message -----
From: John Cinatl <j.f.c...@sbcglobal.net>
To: Trinh, Cuong (D7 Bikes) <cuong...@dot.ca.gov>; Marquez, Paul <paul-albe...@dot.ca.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2021, 3:04:50 PM PDT
Subject: Fw: Caltrans' Update: Decision on Encino Avenue POC Project

Hi Cuong & Paul
 
Not sure if you are also on this newsletter list so I thought it best to send it along to you.

I can't believe that folks actually voted to do away with this crossing - it goes against EVERY planning concept I have ever been exposed to - without the current/rebuilt ped/bike bridge the neighborhood is divided in two by the 101which is a 8-lane freeway. 

I wrote one reply last year STRONGLY supporting a wider new over-crossing - one that could be used by peds, bike and wheelchair bound folks to get from one side of the 101 to the other.

Its interesting - when the 210 was extended in the Upland-Claremont area about 15 years ago local citizens demanded numerous ped/bike over-crossings so as not to divide the area. As such there are today numerous ped/bike over-crossing along that section of freeway. Google 210 at Upland Avenue to see one such elaborate over-crossing and equestrian trail - other over-crossings are also nearby.

Any chance you can review the findings as this decision doesn't make any sense???

John

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From: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 7 <yxim...@arellanoassociates.com>
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2021, 9:52:58 AM PDT
Subject: Caltrans' Update: Decision on Encino Avenue POC Project

US-101 Encino Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing Project
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

March 12, 2021

Dear Members of Encino Neighborhood:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) received comments, suggestions, and feedback from community members as well as elected officials regarding the US-101 Proposed Encino Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing Project. Most comments we received recommended or strongly suggested the permanent removal of the Overcrossing without reconstruction; Caltrans agrees. Caltrans will not replace the Encino Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing (POC) after the proposed demolition. Caltrans is delaying the demolition and will further assess the need and financial feasibility of a range of alternative pedestrian improvements as suggested by community members, City of Los Angeles staff, as well as local and state elected officials.

Caltrans received suggestions regarding community-wide sidewalks and crosswalks as well as landscape improvements, primarily along Louise Avenue and Oxnard Street. Members of the community suggested traffic calming measures along Burbank Boulevard and White Oak Avenue, including the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of White Oak Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard. Most of these suggestions fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles. A combination of targeted education and awareness campaigns -- focusing on vulnerable populations such as the disabled, schools and children, and elderly population, in addition to legal speed enforcement -- were also suggested.

Councilmember Paul Koretz, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, and Senator Henry Stern offices suggested Caltrans also investigate the feasibility of permanently removing the US 101 Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing, located ½ mile east from Encino Avenue POC. Caltrans will keep the community informed as this suggestion is further evaluated. Caltrans will work with City of Los Angeles on engineering studies, environmental reviews, and seek public comments.

Caltrans remains committed to serving the Encino Neighborhood. To meet this commitment, we are collaborating with our partners to establish future community outreach efforts that consider all possible feasible actions. You will be contacted once our outreach plan has been developed. If you have questions on the efforts that have previously taken place, contact Samer Momani, Environmental Coordinator, at samer....@dot.ca.gov. Mr. Momani can also be reached at

Thank you for your continued participation in this transportation safety project.


Sincerely,

RONALD KOSINSKI
Deputy District Director, Environmental Planning Division
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 7, 100 South Main Street, MS-16A, Los Angeles, CA 90012

John Eldon

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Mar 22, 2021, 6:22:53 PM3/22/21
to CABO Forum, John Cinatl
Why are they so hell-bent on removing ped/bike overcrossings? I have been advocating for years for one in my own neighborhood (Encinitas) to bridge I-5. With modern technology, these things are not expensive to build or maintain -- what is the objection? 

John E.


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Alan Forkosh

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Mar 22, 2021, 6:39:57 PM3/22/21
to John F. Cinatl, CABO Forum
After my sister and I left the family homestead in Van Nuys (now Valley Glen), my parents moved to a house just east of this area (on the other side of Balboa). I used to visit the large recreation area at Balboa and Burbank quite often. Note that the Caltrans memo also talks about eliminating the pedestrian crossing (between Amestoy and the ‘fractured’ Edgar Everett Horton Ln) that provides access to that recreation area from south of the freeway.

By the way, here’s some really ancient history. When the Ventura Freeway was constructed, Encino Av was a temporary westbound terminus, with traffic funneled over to Burbank Bl. Note the slight jog of the street just north of the freeway.

Alan Forkosh                    Oakland, CA
afor...@mac.com

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March 12, 2021

Dear Members of Encino Neighborhood:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) received comments, suggestions, and feedback from community members as well as elected officials regarding the US-101 Proposed Encino Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing Project. Most comments we received recommended or strongly suggested the permanent removal of the Overcrossing without reconstruction; Caltrans agrees. Caltrans will not replace the Encino Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing (POC) after the proposed demolition. Caltrans is delaying the demolition and will further assess the need and financial feasibility of a range of alternative pedestrian improvements as suggested by community members, City of Los Angeles staff, as well as local and state elected officials.

Caltrans received suggestions regarding community-wide sidewalks and crosswalks as well as landscape improvements, primarily along Louise Avenue and Oxnard Street. Members of the community suggested traffic calming measures along Burbank Boulevard and White Oak Avenue, including the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of White Oak Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard. Most of these suggestions fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles. A combination of targeted education and awareness campaigns -- focusing on vulnerable populations such as the disabled, schools and children, and elderly population, in addition to legal speed enforcement -- were also suggested.

Councilmember Paul Koretz, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, and Senator Henry Stern offices suggested Caltrans also investigate the feasibility of permanently removing the US 101 Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Overcrossing, located ½ mile east from Encino Avenue POC. Caltrans will keep the community informed as this suggestion is further evaluated. Caltrans will work with City of Los Angeles on engineering studies, environmental reviews, and seek public comments.

Caltrans remains committed to serving the Encino Neighborhood. To meet this commitment, we are collaborating with our partners to establish future community outreach efforts that consider all possible feasible actions. You will be contacted once our outreach plan has been developed. If you have questions on the efforts that have previously taken place, contact Samer Momani, Environmental Coordinator, at samer....@dot.ca.gov. Mr. Momani can also be reached at

Thank you for your continued participation in this transportation safety project.


Sincerely,

RONALD KOSINSKI
Deputy District Director, Environmental Planning Division
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 7, 100 South Main Street, MS-16A, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Alan Forkosh

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Mar 22, 2021, 6:45:54 PM3/22/21
to Alan Forkosh, John F. Cinatl, CABO Forum
That’s Edward Everett Horton Ln—one of the longest names for tone of the shortest streets around.


Alan Forkosh                    Oakland, CA
afor...@mac.com

John Cinatl

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Mar 22, 2021, 7:41:09 PM3/22/21
to CABO Forum, John Eldon
Hi John E. (and CABO)

Your guess is as good as mine. They clam they mostly negative replies - but I find it hard to believe as every time I drive that section of the 101 someone us using that bridge.

John Cinatl

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On Monday, March 22, 2021, 3:22:53 PM PDT, John Eldon <j.e...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:


Why are they so hell-bent on removing ped/bike over-crossings? I have been advocating for years for one in my own neighborhood (Encinitas) to bridge I-5. With modern technology, these things are not expensive to build or maintain -- what is the objection? 

John E.


John Eldon

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Mar 22, 2021, 7:50:09 PM3/22/21
to CABO Forum, John Cinatl
The question is WHO is providing negative reviews and what is the substance thereof? (Keep people on the "wrong" side of the freeway out of our 'hood, maybe?) I love ped. overpasses and wish they were more common. 

John E. 

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