LIST LONG FOR WALLS TO BUFFER FREEWAYS.

Byline: Dana Bartholomew Staff Writer

A week after Gov. Gray Davis announced a $226 million soundwall system for California, transportation officials said they plan to spend $1.3 billion more to muffle freeway noise across Los Angeles.

For San Fernando Valley residents waiting decades for freeway rumble relief, there is clear skepticism that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority can carry off its ambitious soundwall construction plan.

``We pay our taxes. We're law-abiding citizens in a beautiful neighborhood,'' said Jim Alex, 47, of Valley Village. ``At 5 o'clock you go out there and swoosh - it starts up big time.

``All we want is a soundwall.''

Like many residents along Bucknell Avenue whose bedrooms abut the Hollywood Freeway, Alex can't believe his neighborhood didn't qualify for Davis' soundwall list.

For 30 years, they said, transportation officials have promised them sound protection. A commuting lane added traffic. Then, Caltrans cut down their eucalyptus sound barrier.

Freeway noise worsened.

Doors were shut by day, windows by night. Soot followed suit. Some residents bought earplugs, others sought sanctums within their homes. Many abandoned their back yards altogether.

``The bottom line: The board of this agency is committed to righting a wrong,'' said Marta Maestas, project manager for MTA's soundwall program. ``This is a serious environmental impact in the county.''

What excites the MTA - and raises eyebrows among some transportation officials - is the $1.2 billion plan to build soundwalls along corridors without car-pool lanes throughout Los Angeles by 2017.

David Fleming, who as vice chairman of the Transportation Commission fought for Valley soundwall funding, doubts the MTA is qualified to complete the project.

``I've never heard of a billion in soundwalls. That sounds a little aggressive.''

Yet many residents were surprised when Davis dedicated $226 million last week to build 63 unfinished soundwalls - including 13 promised to Valley residents in 1989.

Now the MTA has plans for an estimated 351 miles more.

Initially, soundwalls are planned to be built by 2005 on:

--Both sides of the 134 Freeway between Cahuenga Boulevard and Riverside Drive, about three miles.

--Both sides of the 170 Freeway between Saticoy and Strathem streets, about one mile.

--Both sides of the 405 Freeway between Devonshire Boulevard and San Fernando Mission Road, about two miles.

Because of last week's apportionment, the MTA is free to spend almost $35 million to erect soundwalls along diamond lanes made especially noisy from nearby walls.

The MTA plans to spend another $53 million on soundwalls along remaining high-occupancy-lane freeways, including at Bucknell Avenue, by 2007.

``We think there is a continuing obligation for state and local officials to make soundwalls a priority,'' said Paul Hefner, spokesman for Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, speaker of the House.

Money will be made available from the state, he said, while the MTA will make soundwall construction a priority.

Two years ago, a Senate bill gave the MTA responsibility for the soundwall program.

Until more soundwalls are built, Valley streets like Bucknell Avenue - with their camphor trees, tidy lawns and manicured roses - stand in elegant contrast to the constant din of cars and trucks.

``You know where I get peace?,'' said Donnette Zenteno, 58, a Bucknell resident for 30 years. ``It's in my shower - you just don't have to hear that noise.''

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Marion and Peter Maroulis say noise from the 170 Freeway keeps them from enjoying their North Hollywood back yard.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer