Delays Ahead for Motorists on the 'Crest

An informational meeting was hosted Tuesday night at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club by Caltrans to discuss upcoming construction on Angeles Crest Highway (North Highway 2). Although the construction and delays will affect many, the meeting was attended by a mere handful of locals.

"We are conducting this workshop to inform you of the project," said Mirna Dagher, Caltrans project manager for the project. "Construction will start at 330 feet west of [Hwy. 2] and 210 freeway, all the way to the San Bernardino county line."

The project will replace the present asphalt with new rubberized asphalt concrete. Although this type of road covering is more expensive, the low maintenance outweighs the costs, Dagher said.

"The [rubberized] asphalt is quiet and will last longer," Dagher said. She added the life expectancy of this type of asphalt is between 20 and 30 years.

The total cost of the project is $22 million dollars and will take approximately a year to complete in its entirety.

The construction between Harter Lane and Angeles Forest Highway began yesterday and will continue through Oct. 19, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays. Another phase of constructionbegins Oct. 20 and continues through Oct. 27.

Dagher qualified this timeline, saying the work would be accomplished if the weather cooperates.

"Any rains or extreme cold temperatures may affect the schedule," Dagher said.

Prior to a large sign being posted on Angeles Crest in recent weeks, LCF City Hall was not notified of the work. It was after city officials noticed the preparation work that they called Caltrans to ask about the project, said Mark Alexander, city manager.

"Since that inquiry they [Caltrans] have met with us," Alexander said.

Commuters can expect up to 20 minute delays, said Derrick Alatorre, Caltran's public affairs representative.

According to Alatorre, during construction hours one lane at a time will be closed. California Highway Patrol will escort vehicles down the one lane highway.

"There will be no closed driveways," Alatorre said.

Five days before the construction begins fliers will be left at the homes of properites expected to be most affected by the project.

On weekends, motorists will be able to drive on both lanes of the highway. However, because there will be uneven pavement in some areas officials ask drivers to be cautious of these areas.

Residents will see more trucks going up and down the 'Crest during the week. Officials estimate approximately eight trucks will be carrying asphalt and other materials each day.

Any residents or commuters with concerns or questions can contact Alatorre at 213-897-0303 or e-mail at derrick.alatorre@dot.ca.gov.

If residents do not get the response they require or have other concerns, they can call the city of La Cañada Flintridge (790-8880), which will convey their concerns to Caltrans, the city manager said.