Corps comments on proposed 405/101 interchange
By Jay Field

LOS ANGELES— Alleviating traffic congestion at one of the nation’s busiest freeway interchanges requires a comprehensive look at all practical alternatives and their impacts, said the head of the federal agency responsible for permitting the work.

“We understand the need to reduce traffic and to provide safe roads for the area’s commuters,” said Col. Thomas Magness, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. “That concern is considered along with our obligation to maintain the safety of our flood control structures, including Sepulveda Dam, and to ensure we minimize any potential impacts on wildlife.”

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has proposed several alternatives to connect Interstate 405 and Hwy 101. The alternatives propose construction at Sepulveda Dam and in its basin. They include modifications to Sepulveda Dam, possible impacts to the Sepulveda Wildlife Preserve and the potential to affect the dam’s ability to retain and release flood waters. The Corps is involved because it manages the basin, which is federal property.
 
Magness said the proposed actions require Corps approvals, including a determination that can be made only by the agency’s chief. He said it was unlikely the Corps could render a decision without a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement.

“We look forward to working with Caltrans to explore methods to meet the transportation needs of the public,” Magness said.

For more information, contact Jay Field in the district public affairs office at 213-452-3920.