Clo Hidalgo
Staff Writer
The University of La Verne funded two left turn signals on the corner of D Street and Arrow Highway, which went into service last month.
The traffic light cost the University $75,000, and came out of the Vista La Verne budget. The traffic light had to be placed in order for ULV to be able to build Vista La Verne.
“We submitted a traffic study saying that we thought the intersections would not be impacted by the addition of Vista La Verne,” said Chip West, senior director of central services and capital planning. “The city disagreed, and in order for them to give us a building permit, they said you (ULV) need to put a traffic signal.”
West said it was the school’s responsibility to pay for the left traffic signal because Vista was built on private property.
“Whenever you have a private group, whether it is the University or a private company coming in, the city has the authority when you are improving the area,” West said. “They can condition you to improve the surrounding areas to support whatever you are building.”
It would have cost the school more money if the left turn lane had to be built, but it was already there, West said.
Drivers say they are happy that the left turn signal is available because it is easier and less frightening to make a left turn.
“I do not have to worry about making a left turn in general when it is green because I know I have the right of way,” Alexis Cabello, freshman business administration major, said.
Shuttle bus driver Sharon Preston said she is glad the left turn signal was added because now four to five cars can make a left turn when it is on green. Before, it would take a longer time because the driver had to make sure no incoming traffic was approaching before safely making the left turn.
Freshman criminology major Jonathan Centeno likes the security of the turn signal.
“It feels safer,” he said. “It keeps cars from beating the yellow light.”
ULV does not plan on buying any other traffic lights unless the city requires it.
Clo Hidalgo can be reached at clotilde.hidalgo@laverne.edu.
