Winter Driving Tips

Most of the year we enjoy bee-yoo-ti-ful weather here in sunny Southern California, but as temps these past few days indicate, that doesn’t mean we don’t get some cold, snowy, crummy driving conditions, particularly on I-5 in north Los Angeles County, SR-39 and SR-2. The best course of action is to stay off the roads in bad weather, but if you must drive, here are some tips that can help you do it safely:
 

* Use the Caltrans QuickMap to check road conditions, road work, chain control, cameras, and CHP information before you leave. You can also call 511 or visit go511.com.

* Fill up your gas tank before you leave.

* Drive as conditions permit — slower acceleration, slower speeds, and slower braking in winter weather. Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

* Use headlights (not just parking or fog lights) in foggy, rainy and snowy weather. You MUST have your lights on when using your wipers — it’s the law.
 

* If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle and wait for help.

* If visibility diminishes to the point that you no longer feel safe driving, don’t stop in traffic lanes. Try to use the closest ramp.

* Bring water, food, warm clothing, sturdy shoes/boots and medications.
Also: a charged cell phone, car cell phone charger, and battery-operated radio.

* Make sure your vehicle is running well. Check your coolant, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster/heater and exhaust systems. 

* If traveling to mountain areas, carry chains between October and April, even if it’s not snowing. Weather can be unpredictable. 

* Never play in the snow next to or on the roadway. Don’t allow sleds to slide onto the road. Don’t play in the snow on private property.

* Black ice can be nearly invisible, so reduce your speeds during and after it snows, especially in turns or shady areas.

* Make room for Caltrans equipment, CHP vehicles, and all emergency responders. Stay clear of plows.

* Slow down, bring patience, and be courteous. Use turnouts if you’re holding up traffic.

* Never drink and drive or text and drive. EVER.

For more information about driving through the Grapevine/Tejon Pass in snowy weather, check out the Operation Snowflake Guide.

Five Nights of 101 Closures in Ventura to Start Sunday

VENTURA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close one lane on both directions of the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) at alternating locations between Mobil Pier and Bates Road for five nights beginning Sunday, December 8.

Closure hours are:

• Sunday, December 8 – Northbound U.S. 101 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Southbound U.S. 101 from 9 p.m. to as late as 9 a.m. (most likely will open by morning commute).
• Monday, December 9 through Thursday, December 12—Northbound U.S. 101 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Southbound U.S. 101 from 8 p.m. to as late as 9 a.m. (most likely will open by morning commute).

The closures are needed to prepare for a shift in traffic lanes (see ilustration above) in relation to a six-mile carpool lane project from Mussel Shoals in Ventura County to Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County.

The shift, estimated for implementation by the week of December 16, involves moving the northbound and southbound freeway lanes to the center median (future newly paved carpool lane) in order to continue working on the outside lanes. The same number of lanes in each direction will be maintained. (Illustration attached)

Granite Construction is the contractor on the $102 million project, estimated to complete by early 2015.

Additional information about the project is available at www.US101-info.com. The public may contact the toll-free hotline at 1-855-4546335.

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A Brighter Holiday for Others

Over the years, District 7 employees have generously donated much needed items and cash during our annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive. The 2013 drive is currently underway and will benefit the Los Angeles Mission, Union Rescue Mission and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. These local nonprofit agencies are dedicated to serving the local community, low-income families, senior citizens and homeless men and women. Last year over 1,600 pounds of toys and food  and $750 in monetary donations were collected for these three organizations.

This year's drive will run through Friday, December 21. Donations are being accepted at the District 7 Headquarters, and in maintenance yards. Let's make this year's drive as successful as last year to benefit three worthy organizations.

Beijing’s Congestion Buster: The License Plate Lottery

Look familiar? Congestion in Beijing.

Think congestion is bad here? LA has nothing on Beijing. Gridlock and pollution are so bad in China’s capitol that the government strictly limits the number of cars on the roads. Here, if you have the means, you can buy a car. In Beijing, would-be motorists need to win a license plate lottery before they purchase a new ride (though some people are finding sneaky workarounds).

This year, 240,000 new license plates were issued. In 2014, that number will drop to 150,000. And by 2017, it’ll be just 90,000, though additional plates will be available for “clean” vehicles, such as electric cars. Even if you luck out and win the lottery, registering the car could cost you more than the car itself. 

The concerns prompting the lottery are understandable. The average speed in Beijing is about nine miles per hour (roughly the same speed as an easy bike ride) and auto emissions account for about 25% of air pollution. In addition to the license plate lottery, Beijing’s government hopes to combat the traffic and pollution problems by expanding transit options, establishing more electric vehicle charging stations and natural gas stations, and getting high-polluting vehicles off the road.

Beijing is a worst-case scenario. No one is likely to ever propose a license plate lottery in California. (How well would THAT go over?) Caltrans has a more modest proposal to reduce emissions and congestion: cut back on driving where possible. Combine trips. Take advantage of carpool lanes. Travel off-peak. Ride a bike. Take transit. Maybe even walk. And the next time you get stuck in traffic, before you get mad, remember that YOU are traffic. You help create gridlock. And you can be part of the solution, too.

Rock Mitigation on Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) Part II

AIS Construction staff and helicopter.  Courtesy of AIS Construction

Just south of Mugu Rock, Caltrans will close both directions of Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) intermittently between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4 from south of Las Posas Road to north of Deer Creek Road while crews use a helicopter to help install rock fencing along the slopes.  Motorists should expect 20 to 30 minute delays and consider alternate routes.

AIS Construction's gallery has photos and video to help explain the type of work that will take place tomorrow.

Flaggers will direct traffic. Changeable Message Signs will be posted in advance of the closure area to advise motorists of delays.

In the first phase of this rock mitigation project, rock climbers scaled the slopes overlooking the highway to remove rocks that could potentially fall onto the highway.

AIS Construction of Santa Maria, California has been hired as part of this $4.75 million project.

Caltrans reminds motorists to Slow For The Cone Zone and Move Over.

Rock Scaling on PCH in Ventura County, 11/25 and 11/26

Contract rock climbers scaled the slopes along Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) near Mugu Rock on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

The Springs Fire that occurred in May, burned much of the vegetation and wire mesh that helps hold the rocks and debris to the slopes.  The fire also caused many of the rocks to crack.

In the second phase of this rock mitigation project, a helicopter will be used to install rock netting to the hillside in early December.  

Holiday Freeway Closures for Local Events

Hollywood Freeway (US 101) Closures for the Hollywood Christmas Parade

Caltrans will close the north- and southbound Hollywood Freeway (US 101) off-ramps at Cahuenga Boulevard and Highland Avenue Sunday, December 1 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Hollywood Christmas Parade.  

An encroachment permit was issued.  Signs will be posted for motorists’ convenience.  Motorists should expect delays along the parade route during this time.  Caltrans advises motorists to Slow for the Cone Zone.

Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2) Closure

Caltrans will close one lane of the northbound SR-2 off-ramp at Foothill Boulevard on Thursday, November 28 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the La Cañada Flintridge 20th Annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Run.

An encroachment permit was issued to the city.  Motorists should expect delays along the marathon route during this time.  Caltrans advises motorists to Slow for the Cone Zone.