Wiley-Burke intersection

Dear Editor:After reading the subject article ("Against Firestone Medians," Letters to the Editor, 2/16/12), I realized I was not alone seeing the need for a traffic signal intersection at Firestone Blvd. and Wiley Burke Ave. I also requested a traffic signal at this intersection in December 2008, but an Associate Civil Engineer from the Traffic Engineering of the City of Downey responded, "There are no significant factors in evidence that demand the installation of a traffic signal, there is no particular benefit for a driver to turn left there against three lanes of oncoming traffic, in the 20 years or so that I have occupied this office and made countless field trips, I do not recall ever observing anyone, whether from the bus stop or any other destination, crossing at Wiley Burke." He then recommended I cross and make left turn at, "Where there is an existing traffic signal." I still disagree with the City staff and think the City staff was wrong because I have witnessed many people crossing Firestone Blvd. and the letter by Eitan Sharaf mentioned that there were two fatal accidents at this intersection. People do make left turns to go to places like Albertsons and Unique Auto Spa there. It is very dangerous and difficult to cross and make left turns on Firestone Blvd. at Wiley Burke Ave. at any time because there are lots of traffic and high speeding. I think accidents will happen soon if the City won't do anything to improve the condition there. So, I hope the City would reconsider and put a traffic signal at this intersection instead of telling people to cross and make left turn at "Where there is an existing traffic signal." --Diep Nguyen, Downey

********** Published: February 23, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 45