THE EARTHQUAKE : Workers Deserve Pat on Back for Road Repair

* We wish to commend those involved in alleviating the traffic mess in northern L.A. County since the recent earthquake.

Caltrans, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and MetroLink, Rideshare, the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, the Highway Patrol, the sheriff’s office, federal park rangers and many unnamed others are to be congratulated for their phenomenal progress in diverting traffic in these areas, providing commuter opportunities and minimizing a potential disaster.

Four major freeways converge into two mountain passes where 100,000-plus cars travel daily. When this passage was destroyed, quick and cooperative thinking and action by these agencies, working 24-hour shifts, began to lessen traffic dependency on these routes and restore smooth access.

Our jobs entail varied work schedules and locations but are based in the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys. We live in the Antelope Valley. When the quake hit Jan. 17, we were stranded, and yet as soon as Jan. 19 we were able to get to work via Angeles Forest/Crest highways. Later, the area of the 5 and 14 freeways was temporarily reopened via various side streets. These all were tedious and slow but beat being stranded or going the long way around.

Most recently we ventured on the newly opened southbound 14 freeway. We were astounded at the fast progress and phenomenal results. Imagine government and progress in the same sentence--what a concept. In less than three weeks the tireless efforts of the employees of these government agencies were able to bring this passage back up to nearly full speed. They deserve a pat on the back.

MICHELL A. KREEGER

JOSETTE R. KREEGER

Palmdale