Extra Lanes Opened on Victoria Avenue

The job isn’t over yet, but completion of the first phase of the Victoria Avenue intersection with the Ventura Freeway was celebrated Wednesday in a way most commuters could appreciate--extra lanes were opened to motorists.

Traffic on Victoria has been hampered since the $12.5-million transportation project began in April. When finished in November, the interchange will have two new bridges, and both Victoria and Valentine Road will be widened.

All lanes of Victoria were reopened Wednesday, including the northbound freeway onramp.

Being in the construction zone made it particularly difficult on those who work nearby, said Carmelita Young, an employee at Salzer’s Records.

“It’s horrible,” she said. “It’s impossible to get out and take a left--you have to wait through four or five lights. But it’s always been a bad intersection. It’s just worse because the exit is now on the other side of the building.”

But Friedman said most residents realize that the road project was needed and will appreciate the added capacity.