Palmdale urges residents to attend SR-14 meeting

The City of Palmdale urges residents to participate in the upcoming public scoping meeting to make it clear that the Antelope Valley wants proper improvements on SR-14. It will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at Oasis Recreation Center, 3850 East Avenue S.
From frequent crashes to frustrating traffic jams, Caltrans wants your feedback on the SR-14 North Los Angeles County Safety and Mobility Improvement Project.
Caltrans and Metro have proposed several options for consideration for these improvements, including safety improvements on both the mainline and ramps and enhanced multimodal transportation options such as ramp metering systems, electric vehicle charging stations and public transit connectivity improvements. Caltrans is also considering utility and drainage improvements, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and wildlife habitat connectivity within the SR-14 corridor.
One additional alternative, the “Removal of General Purpose Lane,” is part of the review to no longer build more freeway lanes on SR-14. These changes will also impact the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis, which would double or triple the project’s cost. The City, along with Lancaster and Santa Clarita officials, opposes this alternative and invites residents to speak up for our community.
“This alternative clearly indicates Caltrans and Metro’s lack of concern for our residents’ time and wellbeing,” said Palmdale Mayor Austin Bishop. “The fact that Caltrans and Metro have the audacity to present this plan under the guise of ‘enhancing safety and improving mobility’ proves their disregard for people who regularly travel on the SR-14. We strongly urge residents to attend the scoping meetings and voice their opinions on this project proposal.”
The North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition (NCTC), which represents Palmdale, Lancaster, Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas, is funding a study aimed at addressing safety concerns on SR-14 and expanding lanes where they currently end. Motorists are encouraged to highlight the risks of crashes and the chronic delays caused by traffic congestion, especially in areas where the freeway narrows due to the sudden lane drop. Residents are also urged to emphasize that the SR-14 is a critical lifeline route for northern Los Angeles County. The portion of the freeway running through the Antelope and Santa Clarita Valleys has a higher-than-average collision rate compared to statewide statistics, emphasizing the urgent need for safety improvements to improve traffic flow. There is a growing demand for more transportation options in the region, including increased Metrolink service on the Antelope Valley Line to better connect commuters with local bus routes.
“The residents of the Antelope Valley must help us fix the SR-14. It is imperative that the public join these meetings and make their voices heard,” said Palmdale Mayor Pro Tem Richard Loa. “We cannot allow individuals who are far removed from our region to make decisions that impact our lives. It is already evident that Caltrans and Metro do not have the best interest of the community in mind, so we urge residents to join us and express their concerns.”