Why we shouldn't expect so much from the 110 and love it like it is

 I work near the 110 so I take it almost every day. I have to admit, I love it.

Maybe it’s because my grandparents mention it in their letters in the 1940s. Or maybe it’s because of the beautiful historic overpasses that dot the route, or maybe it’s because I can lord it over all those poor souls that don’t know how to drive on it. If that’s you, don’t worry, because I am here to clue you in to all the ins and outs of driving on the 110.

Now, the 110 extends all the way to San Pedro, but I’m specifically referring to the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway that extends between downtown and Pasadena.

It was built completed in 1940 and connected to the rest of LA’s freeway system at it’s southernmost terminal in the 1950s.

I know that there are a lot of proponents of reforming the parkway, and reconfiguring it’s on and off ramps especially, but I propose, instead, that we appreciate it for what it is. It isn’t the parkway itself that is problematic—it’s how people think they should use it. The parkway is perfectly functional, serviceable, safe and beautiful—if driver’s are willing to use it according to it’s original intent. First and foremost, friends, it’s a PARKWAY, not a freeway, and should be used as such. It’s actually a disservice to be calling it the 110 and it would probably be better off if it simply went back to its original name of the Arroyo Seco Parkway. Then the average driver would be gratified to have this speedy avenue without stoplights to travel such a distance, rather than be frustrated by the curves and tiny off and on-ramps that aren’t anything like normal, modern freeway driving.

Those tight curves on the off and on ramps were intended for drivers who were going a speedy 45 on the parkway itself and slowing to a cool 25 to get off of it. When my grandparents were dating in the 1930s and 40s, my grandmother lived in Whittier and would drive to Pasadena to visit my grandfather, who was a student at Caltech. They were mid-courtship when the parkway was built and in one of her letters she describes how impressed she was with the convenience of it—“they were amazed at how fast I got home—and I didn’t go over 45 the whole way!” So there you have it. Proof that a 45 mph drive will still yield a speedy commute.

So let’s not expect so much from the 110, no?

Okay, so how fast should I go? Some people are going 70 like they are driving on the 5, and I feel like I need to keep up!

First and foremost, the posted speed limit on the parkway  (yes, I said it again, PARKWAY!) should be 45 or 55mph, and no one should be going over 60mph, even in the fast lane, and yes, even you in the Maserati who drives it every day.  There was an accident on the parkway this morning and traffic was at a standstill, and I guarantee you that whoever was involved was either going way to fast, and/or wasn’t familiar with how to use the the on-ramps.

What lane should I use?

Second, learn what lanes to use and when. The far left lane is for through drivers, who aren’t exiting until the parkway ends. The middle lane is for slower drivers, and those planning to exit soon. And the right hand lane is for entering and exiting ONLY. The parkway is really a four-lane road, not six. (Or two driving lanes on either side, not three). Some people who aren’t familiar with it get nervous on the 110 and hug the right lane, but that is the worst place for a driver to be, as it gets the most activity.

What about those tiny exits and entrances with their tight little turns? Those aren’t safe, right? Wrong. At high speed they aren’t, but at speeds under 35mph, they are perfectly fine. If you’ve been driving in the middle lane like a good citizen, then once your exit is next, simply move to the right and get off. It is acceptable to start slowing once you enter the right lane and so it ostensibly becomes an extension of the exit.

Ok, so how do I get on to the parkway? Those little entrances make me nervous!

Well, if everyone is playing fairly, most traffic should be in the two left lanes, so there should be minimal traffic. Here’s what to do: pull up to the stop sign and do come to a full stop. Look over your shoulder and make sure it’s clear. Now, use your side mirror. The curves of the parkway are smartly laid out so that there is a long stretch before each on-ramp. Once you’ve done an over the shoulder check and it’s all clear in the side-mirror, you’re good to go! I like to wait until there is an all clear in that stretch—as in, no cars in the right lane in my side mirror view at all, and then I gun it. I’ve never had a problem. Once you’re in, move over to the middle lane as soon as possible to give people at the next on-ramp, which is most likely right around the corner, a chance to get on.

And that’s it! Then you can just cruise along, enjoying the rather, in my opinion, relaxing curves and pretty historic archways.

Arroyo Seco Parkway in the 1950s. Nicole Possert