Quote:
Originally Posted by Gogar
DD,
I saw a really great documentary the other day (can't remember the name of it),
that detailed how the LA freeway system evolved from the heavy rail commuter train lines of the '40s and '50s. Basically, the LAMTA, which existed until 1964 when it became the SCRTD, ran a huge, highly profitable, highly efficient network of metro train lines (including the one you describe from BH to Sepulveda.) Under intense pressure and some backroom deals from oil and tire companies almost the entire SoCAL rapid transit system was converted in just a few years from rail to BUSSES. All those brand new busses immediately clogged the existing freeways, and started the city on its path to freeway madness where it is now, apparently.
I thought it was really neat, I'll try to find it. But the pics of LA from that era look a lot like the "embarcadero" video, strangely enough. Oh yeah, with 10 million less people too, I guess.
|
All of what you saw is true. L.A. has a very bad history when it comes to big business and urban development, the freeways notwithstanding. There in fact were supposed to be even more freeways in L.A. Ex: the Laurel Canyon Freeway, the Malibu Freeway, and some whacked-out express way that ran over the water from Santa Monica to Ventura, IIRC.
The only thing that really stopped additional freeway building beyond what we have now, was a lack of funds. But if that weren't the case, there'd be at least ten more freeway systems snaking around Los Angeles County.
Somewhere I have a map that shows all the existing and planned freeways, circa late 1950s. It is strange knowing what could have been.