Fabled Freeways

Thanks for reminding us about the “lost” freeways that were never built, such as the Laurel Canyon Freeway (“Freeways’ Missing Links Can Frustrate Commuters,” April 2). Although many believe that Los Angeles has an extensive network of freeways, many more were planned that would have greatly increased mobility across the region. In fact, Los Angeles ranks near the bottom in freeway miles per capita for U.S. urban areas. No wonder we have such crushing congestion!

The Laurel Canyon Freeway would have provided a critical link from the Valley into the Mid-Wilshire district and down to LAX. While many extol the virtues of mass transit--and no one wants to live right next to a freeway--over 95% of us are still dependent on the freeways and major arterial surface streets.

James Johnson

West Hollywood