ASK MS. TRAFFIC\Work on median, drainage outlet stalls 118 Freeway improvements.

Byline: Compiled by Virginia Gonzalez

Why is it taking so long to complete the work on the Ronald Reagan Freeway (118) between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Woodley Avenue from Chatsworth to Granada Hills?

There's been little work, if any, accomplished there during the past few months even though the eastbound lane appears to be finished and the westbound is almost complete.

This stretch of freeway handles a lot of traffic and the delay creates an additional traffic congestion nightmare for the many commuters who have to take that route daily.

Can you get some answers for us?

- C.A., Simi Valley 

A delay in the construction of the concrete median barrier and installation of a drainage system needed to accommodate the two lanes added in each direction is holding back completion of the $22 million improvement project, said Rick Holland, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

The project will add one high occupancy vehicle lane and one mixed-flow lane in each direction from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to Balboa Boulevard, as well as a HOV lane in each direction from Balboa Boulevard to the Golden State Freeway interchange, Holland said.

Caltrans officials expect to open the mixed-flow lanes by June and the HOV lanes by August, Holland said.

An overgrown tree located near an elementary school at the corner of Cohasset Street and Densmore Avenue in North Hills is blocking the view of a stop sign and needs to be trimmed.

Can the appropriate city agency come out and trim it so motorists can see it in advance?

- N.U., North Hills

Each of the four corners at the intersection were checked by a representative from the city's Street Tree Division who found the trees didn't block the view of the stop sign, said Martin Fregoso, a tree surgeon supervisor.

Fregoso said there are no plans for additional tree trimming at the location.

Three traffic signals in the Sepulveda Basin area are not properly synchronized, beginning with the signal for westbound Victory Boulevard motorists heading south on Balboa Boulevard in Van Nuys.

Motorists, many of whom are heading to the San Diego Freeway just before Sepulveda Boulevard, get a needless red signal at this intersection and the others along Burbank Boulevard at Balboa Boulevard, Hayvenhurst and Woodley avenues that cause needless delay, traffic congestion and car exhaust.

Can the signals be synchronized to provide smoother traffic flow?

- E.R., Van Nuys

Brian Gallagher, the city's signal timing traffic engineer, said that a study of the signals was conducted, but didn't conclude that changes to the current timing was necessary.