Burbank

Metro approving more money for this nightmare project would send a signal to Caltrans that wastefulness and irresponsibility will be not only tolerated, but rewarded

Though the facility has some utility - and preserves earlier walk/bike access, it's the kind of hellscape that only a freeway traffic engineer can love.

"L.A. County elected a surprising number of progressives in November. I absolutely count myself among their numbers, and we are all working to build a wide coalition of progressive voices across the county and up and down the ballot for 2022."

September Metro report said Burbank freeway project was $50M over budget, but a May Caltrans letter said $73.2M - and with no construction end in sight, the final total could be even higher

The three- to four-year-long 5 Freeway widening project through Burbank is now expected to take eight years of construction

Last week, Streetsblog warned that car drivers who use Verdugo Avenue were organizing a petition to fight the Avenue's Road Diet.  However, when the City Council gathered to decide whether or not to continue the diet, the opposition to the traffic calmed street was in the minority in the room and on the dais.  Instead of a packed room of car drivers presenting their petition, it was dozen of community and bicycle activists presenting 450 signatures in support of the diet that ruled the evening Tuesday night.

Last March, the City of Burbank repaved Verdugo Avenue and repainted the street to remove a car travel lane and add a bike lane.  While the plan had been on the books since the passage of the city's bike plan in 2003, the Burbank City Council only approved the road diet for a six month trial period.  To make certain policy, not funding issues, would decide whether or not the diet stays; the Council passed approved enough funds for the diet and, if necessary, funds to remove the diet all at once last year.